Moody Bible Institute has named Dr. Rick Melson as its next president, ushering in a new chapter for one of the nation’s most influential evangelical institutions
The school announced that its board of trustees unanimously elected Melson, who currently serves as president of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri. He will officially become Moody’s 11th president on Aug. 17, succeeding Mark Jobe, who stepped down June 30 after leading the Chicago-based ministry for seven years. Since Jobe’s departure, Moody Senior Vice President and Provost Tim Sisk has served as interim president
According to the institute, Melson’s selection followed an extensive nationwide search
“Melson is a deeply committed follower of Jesus Christ, an accomplished leader in Christian higher education, an exceptional fundraiser, gifted communicator and proven executive who understands how to lead complex ministry organizations while remaining firmly anchored in God’s Word,” said Moody trustee Mark Flannery, who chaired the presidential search committee. He added that the decision came after “an extensive national search and much prayer.”
Melson said he and his wife were “deeply humbled” by the opportunity to serve and grateful for what he described as God’s clear direction throughout the process
“It is a great privilege to be entrusted with leading and stewarding this extraordinary ministry into its next chapter,” Melson said. “I come to Moody with profound respect for its remarkable heritage and tremendous optimism for its future.”
Looking ahead, Melson emphasized a desire to expand the school’s impact while remaining centered on its biblical mission
“Together, we will seek God’s wisdom as we strengthen Moody’s educational mission, expand Moody Global Media’s reach, extend Moody Publishers’ influence, and make the Gospel available to more people than ever before,” he said
Melson brings decades of experience in Christian higher education and ministry. He holds degrees from Murray State University, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Dallas Baptist University. Earlier in his ministry, he served on the pastoral staff of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis alongside pastor John Piper and also ministered at the former Mars Hill Church in Seattle
Melson inherits an institution that has experienced both challenges and renewed momentum in recent years. Jobe, who announced in January that he believed it was time to “hand the baton” to new leadership, is widely credited with strengthening enrollment and improving Moody’s financial position after taking office in 2019 during a turbulent period marked by leadership controversies and governance concerns
As Moody enters its next season, Melson says his focus will remain on seeking God’s guidance while equipping students and expanding the ministry’s reach so more people around the world can hear the Gospel
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