JBU News & Information

SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Oct. 26, 2024) — In a wild explosion of white, thousands of John Brown University fans launched the traditional toilet paper storm after junior guard LePra George Jr. netted the Golden Eagles' first bucket of the season, marking the raucous start of the school's 41st annual Toilet Paper Game.

What began as a spontaneous celebration in 1984 has evolved into a nationally recognized spectacle, with USA Today, ESPN, CBS Sports and Bleacher Report all hailing it as one of college basketball's premier fan traditions. The first basket of the season's home opener triggers thousands of fans to shower the court with toilet paper, drawing an automatic - and worth it - technical foul.

"We've got a lot of new guys who haven't experienced this," said head coach Jason Beschta.

In his first game with the Golden Eagles, George, a transfer from Northeastern Okla. A&M, not only scored the TP toss-inducing basket, but tallied 16 points and collected 11 rebounds.

"We knew he was really special when we first had him in," said Beschta. "We feel like we got really fortunate in adding LePra."

Kimberly-Clark continued its partnership with the Golden Eagles for the eighth year, donating 4,000 rolls of toilet paper. Fans exchanged canned food items for half the rolls, with all donations and remaining toilet paper benefiting the Manna Center, a local food bank in Siloam Springs.

The Barclay Bears of Kansas returned to Bill George Arena for their fourth consecutive appearance in the crowd-favorite matchup.

The Golden Eagles won the game with a final score of 87-53.

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 (Sept. 27, 2024) – John Brown University announced the promotion of Jim Krall to senior vice president for university advancement. Krall has served as vice president for university advancement at JBU since 2002.

During Krall's tenure, JBU has received nearly $400 million in charitable gifts and secured almost $30 million in revocable estate commitments, helping to significantly advance the university’s mission and vision.

Krall will continue to serve on the President’s Cabinet, working with senior leadership to shape the university’s strategic direction and oversee key initiatives.

"Jim has faithfully served JBU for over 20 years, and his contributions have been key to the university's success," said JBU President Chip Pollard. "I am deeply grateful for his dedication and the impact he has made, and I look forward to continuing our work together to further JBU’s mission in the years ahead."

As senior vice president for university advancement, Krall oversees JBU’s fundraising, alumni relations and donor engagement efforts, focusing on securing major gifts, growing endowments and building partnerships that support the university’s strategic priorities.

“I’m honored to continue serving JBU in this capacity,” said Krall. “I am proud to work with so many dedicated colleagues and generous supporters who are passionate about JBU’s mission. Together, we will continue to equip students to honor God and serve others.”

Krall holds a doctorate in leadership studies in education with a higher education concentration from the University of Tennessee, a Master of Arts in counseling from Ball State University and a bachelor's degree in psychology from Taylor 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 2,200 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 (Sept. 27, 2024) – John Brown University announced the promotion of Kim Hadley to executive vice president. Hadley has been a key leader at JBU since 2004 and has most recently served as chief operating officer and vice president.

In her new role, Hadley will add oversight of facilities and athletics to the areas she already supervises, including finance, technology, enrollment, human resources, and marketing and communications. 

“Kim has been a trusted advisor and an invaluable leader at JBU for two decades,” said JBU President Chip Pollard. “I am so grateful for her wisdom, her insight, her hard work and her Christian commitment. I thank her for her good work and look forward to working with her as executive vice president.”

Hadley started full-time at JBU in 2004 as the organizational management program director in the Adult Degree Completion Program, where she first served as an adjunct professor. Hadley also served as director of professional studies faculty development and learning assessment and the chair of the faculty affairs committee. Hadley was named the Arkansas Business 2020 Education CFO of the Year.

"I’m honored to step into this expanded role and continue serving JBU in this new capacity,” said Hadley. “It’s the students, faculty and staff who make this university truly special, and I’m grateful to work alongside such dedicated colleagues who share a commitment to JBU’s Christ-centered mission.”

Hadley holds a DBA in marketing from Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana, and earned her BSBA in accounting and MBA from the University of Arkansas. Licensed by the Arkansas State Board of Public Accountancy, she is a member of the Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants.

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 (Sept. 25, 2024) - John Brown University announced today that charitable giving for the fiscal year ending June 30 totaled $23 million, with an additional $2.1 million committed in future estate gifts. This financial support from alumni and friends will directly impact students, faculty, and the university community through a range of programs, scholarships and capital improvements.

Of the total, $8.1 million was designated to create 15 new endowments that will provide permanent financial support for the university's mission. These endowments include funding for scholarships, ensuring that more than 600 students benefit from over $3.6 million in endowed scholarships each year.

“The generosity of alumni, friends and charitable foundations is instrumental in JBU’s ability to provide a rigorous, Christ-centered education that transforms students’ lives,” said Chip Pollard, Ph.D., president of John Brown University. “Their support allows us to enhance academic programs and facilities and help keep JBU affordable by supporting student scholarships.”

More than one-third of the total contributions this year were directed to JBU’s endowment, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth for academic programs and student scholarships.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible generosity of our supporters,” said Jim Krall, Ed.D., senior vice president for advancement. “Their willingness to give so generously speaks volumes about their commitment to our students and our mission. It’s because of their kindness and dedication that we can continue to grow and provide opportunities that enrich not just our campus but the communities we serve.”

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 (Sept. 5, 2024) – For the fifth year, John Brown University was named to The Wall Street Journal's Best Colleges in the U.S. rankings, claiming the highest score of private schools in Arkansas and ranked No. 2 overall in the state.

JBU ranked No. 358 on the journal's 2025 America's Best Colleges in the U.S. list, securing a spot in the top 10% of U.S. colleges and universities.

The list ranks the top 500 undergraduate institutions by the value they provide to students based on the learning environment, years to pay off the net price, degree completion rates, the likelihood of higher salaries post-graduation and diversity.

JBU was also ranked No. 1 in Arkansas in the Social Mobility category which lists colleges in order of how much they enhance their students’ social mobility. The ranking reflects universities that take in the highest proportion of students coming from lower-income families, while maintaining high graduation rates and having a positive impact on graduate salaries and minimizing the costs of attending college. 

“We are grateful that The Wall Street Journal has recognized JBU as one of the top schools in our nation," said John Brown University President Chip Pollard. “This ranking reflects the quality and dedication of JBU’s faculty and staff as well as the talent and commitment of JBU students. However, we see the true measure of JBU’s mission in the changed lives of JBU graduates who leave the institution better prepared to honor God and serve others.” 

The overall 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.

Four other Arkansas schools were listed: the University of Arkansas (No. 233), Harding University (No. 368), Arkansas State University (No. 486) and Arkansas Tech University (No. 491).

JBU was ranked highest of the schools in Arkansas in 2020, 2022 and 2024 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. 22, 2024) – John Brown University welcomed a record-setting 455 new students to the Siloam Springs campus on Wednesday, Aug. 21, to begin five days of orientation before classes start on Aug. 26. This total includes transfers and students returning after one or more semesters away, as well as a record-breaking freshman class of 386 students, surpassing the previous record of 376 freshmen in 2023.
 
Several student population groups saw marked increases, including students from Northwest Arkansas, which saw a 15.56% increase, while the overall student population from Arkansas grew by 18.63%. Additionally, the university experienced a notable 16.95% rise in Latino-American students.
 
Hannah Bradford, executive director of admissions, attributed the increase to several key factors, including expanded recruitment efforts in Northwest Arkansas and proactive financial aid initiatives during a year marked by a frustrating governmental overhaul of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
 
To help families, JBU offered early tentative financial aid offers based on an innovative institutional aid calculator, enabling students to plan for college despite the FAFSA delays and uncertainties. 
 
“Families recognize that while JBU may cost more than other schools they're considering, the value of our Christ-centered, liberal arts education is a good investment, reflected in high graduation rates and strong starting salaries for our graduates in Arkansas,” said Ryan Ladner, D.B.A., vice president for enrollment management. “Families also appreciate the care our community showed during the enrollment process. We are eager to see how theses students live out the mission of JBU to honor God and serve others."

Ladner said he is grateful to the enrollment team, faculty and staff for recruiting the record class.
 
Total undergraduate enrollment for the fall is currently 1,353 students. Final enrollment numbers are officially reported after the 11th 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 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 (May 6, 2024) – John Brown University has named Corey Carey the university’s next dean of residence life beginning July 1.

As dean, Carey will manage all aspects of traditional undergraduate campus residence life, including supervising residence hall staff, hall programming, facilities management, housing processes and community expectations.

“What an amazing opportunity it is to serve the students, faculty, and staff in this exciting role as the dean of residence life,” Carey said. “I am passionate about discipleship, loving people well, and working to foster a community that empowers people to honor God and serve others. I look forward to engaging in ministry with the JBU community.”

Carey will also work closely with Anne Tohme, the vice president for student development, and supervise student activities and other areas of student development based on team needs and fit.

 “I am excited about all Corey will bring to the position, Student Development, and our students,” said Tohme. “Corey’s humility, discipleship focus, experience, collaborative spirit, love for students, and commitment to the mission of JBU all position him well for this important leadership role. I look forward to working with Corey and welcoming him to the student development team.”

Carey was a missionary at Rift Valley Academy Boarding School in Kijabe, Kenya, for 10 years as residence life coordinator and dorm parent. He also served, with his wife Tiffany, as missionaries in residence at JBU, counseling missionary kids and international students. Carey holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology from Western Colorado University and will finish his Master's in Organizational Management and Leadership from JBU in August 2024.

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 (May 1, 2024) – The JBU Construction Management team was awarded the top position in the written report category of the virtual Ethics competition hosted by the American Institute of Constructors on April 12. The JBU ethics team also secured third place in the oral presentation segment.

The ethics team members were junior Bryce O'Dell, sophomore Amanda Riedy, junior Benjamin Vaughn and junior Nick Ware.

During the event, JBU's team addressed various ethical and industry-related issues before a panel of AIC Collegiate members representing institutions nationwide.

The ethical concerns were framed within a case scenario, allowing the JBU team to dissect and explain why such industry practices were deemed unethical.

"I thought it was a pretty awesome opportunity to practice approaching a new problem with a solid team," said Vaughn. "It was especially fun to figure out how to compartmentalize the problem and divvy out the work in a manner that played to each member’s respective strengths."

Participation in the competition was open to accredited schools in the U.S. offering construction management programs.

The team first submitted a response paper for the initial round of the competition, followed by the virtual presentation against three other teams.

"Participating in the ethics competition was a fantastic opportunity to bring diverse perspectives to the table," said Riedy. "It underscored the importance of considering varied viewpoints in ethical decision-making processes while representing women in construction."

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.