From A. M. Hills to John C. Bowling, Olivet Nazarene University has seen many different faces as its university president—24 to be exact. With each new presidency came new buildings, rules, and cultural values. However, after 30 years of leadership under Bowling, affectionately known as “Dr. B.,” Olivet is soon to have a new president.
Under Dr. Bowling, Olivet Nazarene University saw significant growth thanks to his leadership. During his presidency, Dr. Bowling made sure to take Olivet’s motto to heart and make sure that there was an “Education with a Christian Purpose”.
Third President of ONU, E. F. Walker. Found in the 1915 Publication of the Aurora Yearbook 
Dr. John and Jill Bowling’s yearbook dedication page. Found in the 2000 Publication of the Aurora Yearbook 
L. Parrot served as university president in the 1940’s. Found in the 1940 publication of the Aurora Yearbook.
Now in 2021, he will step down as president and a new president will take the reigns. The new president will be Gregg Chenoweth who is the current president of Bethel University in Indiana.
Chenoweth is a 1990 ONU graduate and the former vice president of academic affairs for the university. After a 15-month long decision made by the board he was elected to become the next president of Olivet Nazarene University.
Trustee Board member, Rev. Craig Dillman, said that the process in choosing a new university president was a difficult and prayerful decision.
“The first thing said after Dr. Bowling announced his retirement was ‘it is time to go to Jesse’s house,'” he said. This reaction encompasses the attitude many board members held during the selection process.
“30 years is a long time. An entire culture was shaped during those years. We wanted someone that would fit nicely into the Olivet culture.”
Dr. Bowling has been Olivet’s president for 30 years. However, in May 2021 he will be retiring. 
Gregg Chenoweth will step into his new role as university president come summer of 2021.
The Daily Journal quotes Dr. Bowling as being delighted to hear that Chenoweth will be taking his place as University President. Dr. Bowling said, “he is gifted, experienced, and dedicated leader who has years of administrative experience.”
Chenoweth is confident in his ability to create a smooth transition from Dr. Bowling’s presidency to his own. The Church of the Nazarene reported Dr. Bowling saying, “If I could help reproduce for students even a fraction of what Olivet did for me, there will be a lot to celebrate.”
Chenoweth also hopes to continue in Dr. Bowling’s efforts to help make the community of ONU a stronger and tighter community that will help students grow and help one another. He also believes that every student will come to Olivet and walk out a graduate.
Although it would seem that Chenoweth has big shoes to fill, Dr. Bowling will help Chenoweth throughout the transition and will make sure that he is comfortable.
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