History of BJU

Greenville, SC (1960s)

the Joneses snack shop dining common Dr. Bob Jones Sr.

Bob Jones University continued to grow through the turbulent years of the 1960s. In 1964 Bob Jones Jr. became chairman of the Board of Trustees and Dr. Bob Jones III was elected as the University's vice president. Amidst God's blessing and growth, the campus was saddened on January 16, 1968, when the Lord called the University founder to meet his Savior after a lifetime of faithful service.

Greenville, SC (1970s)

choir Founder's Memorial Amphitorium inside Founder's Memorial Amphitorium BJU Press

Although grieved by the loss of its Founder, the University continued to develop under Dr. Jones Jr.'s leadership. In 1971, Dr. Bob Jones Jr. became the University chancellor and Dr. Bob Jones III assumed the responsibilities of president. Under the new leadership, the University expanded many facets of its ministry. Although the Christian education movement was growing, Christian schools had little to choose from in the area of curriculum. Therefore, Bob Jones University Press was founded to provide educational materials with an integrated Christian philosophy for both schools and homeschooling families. Several buildings were also added to the campus, and many steps were taken to improve relationships and visibility within the community. With more students attending each year, the school needed to build a new auditorium. In the early 1970s, BJU built the Founder's Memorial Amphitorium in memory of Dr. Jones Sr.