Bethel University Announces Finalists in Presidential Search

McKENZIE, Tenn. (December 12, 2023) —The Bethel University Board of Trustees Presidential Search Committee announced the three finalists in its search for the University’s next president. Those finalists are Rev. Dr. Jody Hill, Dr. Perry Moulds and Dr. Wayne Scott.

“We had many highly qualified candidates for this position,” said Search Committee Chair Dewana Latimer. “This has made our task very difficult, but we are pleased to have narrowed the candidates to three finalists.”

The three finalists will be invited to campus in January for further interviews.

Hill  serves as president of Memphis Theological Seminary. During his tenure there, he has resolved accreditation issues, grown the institution’s endowment, and reduced short-term borrowing. The institution has received new grant funding, expanded programs, and increased the number of Cumberland Presbyterian students enrolled. Prior to his current role, Hill was Vice President for Community Relations and Executive Director of the Foundation at Blue Mountain Christian University. Hill has served as a pastor at numerous churches, including a current role as pastor at Ripley (MS) Presbyterian Church, has authored two books, and is an active community volunteer.  He earned a Doctor of Ministry degree in strategic leadership from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Divinity degree from Memphis Theological Seminary, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in business from the University of Mississippi. He has also earned an Executive Certificate in religious fundraising from Indiana University.

Moulds serves as Senior Assistant to the President for Philanthropic Initiatives and Vice President for University Advancement at Belmont University. In that role, he has led the largest fundraising campaign in the school’s history totaling $336 million. Moulds drastically increased planned giving and athletic support for Belmont and also brought new events to the University. Moulds also serves as a fundraising consultant to other institutions. Before working at Belmont, Moulds held other fundraising roles at Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center and the University of Mississippi. Moulds is an active community volunteer. He earned Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Arts degrees in higher education administration from the University of Mississippi and a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism and public relations from the University of Mississippi.

Scott has been employed as Executive Vice President at Bethel University since 2021. During that time, he has been responsible for University enrollment, provided training for faculty and staff members, and closed locations to reduce expenses. Prior to working at Bethel, Scott was employed at Freed-Hardeman University for almost 30 years in a variety of positions, including Vice President of Student Services, Dean of Student Services, Director of Admissions and Associate Director of Admissions. Scott is an active community and church volunteer and has served as an interim pastor at several churches. He earned a Doctor of Education degree in higher education leadership from Azusa Pacific University and a Master of Science degree in education and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible from Freed-Hardeman University.

“The Search Committee is looking forward to hearing more from each of these candidates about their vision for the future of Bethel University when they interview on campus in McKenzie in January,” said Latimer.

In the summer, current Bethel University President Dr. Walter Butler announced his plans to retire effective December 31, 2023. Butler is the University’s 42nd president. Bethel University was founded in 1842 by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.