John Bowling
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
John C. Bowling is an author and the President of Olivet Nazarene University.
Bowling has authored over sixty published articles and three books. His first book was A Way With Words (ISBN 0-8341-1802-5). His second was Grace-full Leadership (ISBN 0-8341-1775-4). His third book was Packin’ Up and Headin’ Out: Making the Most of Your College Adventure (ISBN 0-8341-1899-8) which he co-authored with his wife Jill.
In the Summer of 2005 Bowling was elected General Superintendent of the Church of the Nazarene. Bowling refused the position, saying that his mission at Olivet Nazarene University was not complete. He and Jill returned ONU, and continue to live among the students, who they consider to be their own children.
In the Spring of 2006, Bowling climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro. He said he trained for the climb by walking the nature trails at nearby Perry Farms. Bowling is writing a book about his experience climbing the mountain and upon his return appeared at a chapel service at Olivet Nazarene University in full hiking gear. He was greeted, as always with thunderous applause. His greeting to the student body was "What was I thinking?"
During Homecoming 2006, the kick off of Olivet Nazarene University's Centennial Year, both Dr. Bowling and Jill were awarded the honorary degrees Doctor of Letters for their years of dedication to Olivet. The degrees were awarded in a tearful surprise ceremony, while the Bowlings were attending a piano concert. They were brought back stage by Dr. Gary Striet and the degrees were conferred by Dr. Ted Lee, President of the Board of Trustees.
