Moody Bible Institute Announces Dr. Rick Melson to Serve as 11th President
The Board of Trustees of Moody Bible Institute today announced the election of Dr. Rick Melson as the Institute’s 11th President, effective Aug. 17, 2026.
Dr. Melson succeeds Dr. Mark Jobe, whose faithful leadership over the past seven years strengthened Moody’s spiritual foundation, organizational health and financial stability while positioning the ministry for continued Kingdom impact.
“After an extensive national search and much prayer, the Board unanimously believes God has prepared Dr. Rick Melson and his wife, Tammy, for this important season in Moody’s history,” said Mark Flannery, Moody trustee and chairman of the Presidential Search Committee. “Dr. 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.”
Dr. Melson currently serves as president of Southwest Baptist University in Bolivar, Missouri, where he has led a remarkable season of institutional renewal marked by enrollment growth, strategic innovation, financial strength, successful fundraising, and renewed student flourishing and spiritual vitality. Previously, he served as Vice President for Advancement at Cedarville University, helping lead its historic $205.8 million comprehensive campaign, and also held executive leadership roles at Houghton College. His career spans more than three decades in Christian higher education, ministry, fundraising, enrollment management, and organizational leadership.
Unlike most Christian colleges and universities, Moody’s mission extends well beyond higher education. As president, Dr. Melson will provide leadership for Moody’s three integrated ministry platforms including its longstanding aviation program in Spokane, WA, and execute a vision focused on strengthening Moody’s key ministries while preserving the institution’s historic theological convictions with emphasis on faithful stewardship, organizational excellence, spiritual vitality and lasting gospel impact.
“Dr. Melson possesses the rare combination of spiritual leadership, strategic vision, organizational effectiveness and relational warmth that will help Moody continue fulfilling its historic mission for generations to come,” added Rick Warren, chairman of the Moody Board of Trustees. “We are excited to welcome Rick and his wife, Tammy, to the Moody family.”
Having devoted more than 35 years to Christian higher education and ministry leadership, Dr. Melson has earned a reputation for visionary leadership, strategic planning, fundraising excellence, organizational growth and cultivating Christ-centered cultures.
He earned a Ph.D. in Leadership from Dallas Baptist University, a master’s degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a bachelor’s degree from Murray State University. He also completed executive studies through Harvard University’s Institute for Educational Management. Rick and Tammy have been married for more than three decades and are blessed with three children, a daughter-in-law and a new grandson. They look forward to joining the Moody community and making Chicago their new home.
“Tammy and I are deeply humbled by the confidence the Board of Trustees has placed in us and grateful for the Lord’s unmistakable leading throughout this journey,” said Dr. Melson. “For 140 years, Moody Bible Institute has faithfully proclaimed the gospel of Jesus Christ and equipped generations of believers to impact the world for His glory and our greatest joy. It is a great privilege to be entrusted with leading and stewarding this extraordinary ministry into its next chapter.”
He added, “I come to Moody with profound respect for its remarkable heritage and tremendous optimism for its future. My commitment is to lead from a posture of prayer before strategy, Scripture before opinion and conviction before convenience. 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.”
“My prayer is that every decision we make will ultimately serve one purpose: that Jesus Christ would be exalted, His Word faithfully proclaimed and countless lives transformed through the power of the Gospel.”
For more information about Moody Bible Institute, please visit www.moodybible.org.
