BOURBONNAIS, Illinois — During its annual fall meeting, the Olivet Nazarene University Board of Trustees voted to extend a five-year contract to University President, Gregg Chenoweth ’90, Ph.D., extending his leadership through May 30, 2031. The decision reflects the board’s confidence in Dr. Chenoweth’s vision, while affirming the University’s sustained growth and fidelity to its mission across multiple measures of institutional health.
Olivet’s Board Chairman, Dr. Tim Crump, expressed, “Congratulations to Dr. Chenoweth on the vote of his renewal as Olivet’s President.” He added, “I believe that Olivet’s mission of Christ-centered, Christ-dedicated university-level education is more needed today than ever before for the families and students of this generation.”
Dr. Chenoweth was elected the 13th president of Olivet in 2021. Over the past four years, under his leadership, the University has set its sights on a robust agenda and achieved multiple institutional milestones. Olivet enrolled its largest freshman class on record, reached all-time highs in fundraising, and made significant progress in debt reduction. During this period, the University invested $22 million in campus improvements and successfully completed a ten-year reaccreditation. Olivet has also kept average graduate debt remarkably low, demonstrating its commitment to affordability and good stewardship.
In response to the extension of his position, Dr. Chenoweth shared, “This decision by the board compliments our faculty and staff, not just me. If they weren’t doing such amazing things, there would be less confidence about the future. It’s a privilege to serve Olivet. We will keep at it together.”
For more information about Olivet Nazarene University, visit www.olivet.edu
About Olivet Nazarene University Founded in 1907, Olivet Nazarene University is a premier Christian liberal arts university located in Bourbonnais, Illinois — just 50 miles south of Chicago. With approximately 3,500 students from more than 40 states and 20 countries, Olivet offers nearly 200 areas of study through its undergraduate and graduate programs. The University is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
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