The Asia-Pacific Nazarene Theological Seminary Board of Trustees announced that Bruce Oldham accepted his election as university president for the next four years.

Oldham has been serving Nashville, Tennessee, USA, First Church of the Nazarene as senior associate pastor since 2012. Prior to this, he was dean of the School of Christian Ministry & Formation at MidAmerica Nazarene University from 2010 to 2012. He took on several roles at Mount Vernon Nazarene University from 1991 to 2010, such as vice president for enrollment management, director of Admissions, executive assistant to the president, and chair/full-time professor in Christian education.

“His years of leadership in higher education and as a pastor, as shown in his credentials and in the process of getting to know Bruce following the selection process, is something that APNTS is prayerfully anticipating, as this shows his preparedness to take on this very important role in APNTS for the global church,” said Kafoa Muaror, APNTS Board of Trustees chair. "Dr. Oldham has been described by church leaders who have known and worked with him as an efficient and effective administrator, and one who is able to cast vision and communicate that vision effectively while working collaboratively with colleagues in an institution of higher education or the local church. He affirms others in their leadership and is an encourager. He enjoys seeing people develop their capacities and calling.”

Oldham holds an undergraduate degree in religion and communications (1978) from Trevecca Nazarene University. He also earned a Master of Arts from his alma mater in 1989 with additional graduate work at Nazarene Theological Seminary and the University of Alabama in Birmingham. He obtained his Doctor of Education in higher education administration degree from Vanderbilt University in 2005.

His wife, Peggy, is also part of Nazarene higher education. Her doctorate degree is in higher education leadership and her master’s degree is in counseling.

“The dynamics of Bruce and Peggy’s gifts will be very good for the church,” said Dan Boone, Trevecca Nazarene University president. “I could not be happier. You are getting two remarkable people in one election. I am glad for the board’s leadership that will welcome them.” 

General Superintendent Emeritus Jesse C. Middendorf was also pleased with the selection. 

"What a great choice," he said. "Bruce and Peggy are so well equipped for this assignment.”

Bruce's election followed a new process prescribed by the APNTS Board of Trustees. This process involved openly advertising the vacant position, seeking input from multiple stakeholders both on and off campus, and a screening process via interviews and consultation about the competency of the applicant, all followed by times of prayerful consideration.

Members of the board’s Search and Nominating Committee repeatedly expressed appreciation for the prayers, time, and counsel offered during this process by the faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of the seminary.

The Oldhams have two adult children, Scott and Lyndsey. Bruce and Peggy will arrive on the APNTS campus by November 1.

--Church of the Nazarene Asia-Pacific Region