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News from JBU
Vila Announced as Inaugural JBU Abila Endowed Chair at JBU, Fulbright Scholar
John Brown University has established the endowed Abila Chair in Archaeology and History of the Biblical World and named David Vila, Ph.D., distinguished professor of religion and philosophy, as the inaugural chair.
As chair, Vila will provide strategic leadership for the university’s archaeology and biblical history initiatives — including oversight of the Abila Archaeological Project, the Jordan Summer Studies Program, the Bible Lands Study Trip, the Abila Lectures in Biblical Archaeology and the on-campus Abila Museum.
“Helping students understand the Bible's historical and cultural context is an extremely important task,” Vila said. “This new chair will ensure not only that the work of the Abila Archaeological Project continues into the future, but also that students from JBU will continue to excavate and study in the lands of the Bible for generations to come.”
A generous donation from an anonymous donor helped fund the new chair, which ensures the long-term continuity and development of these programs, which have become key components of JBU’s academic offerings in biblical studies and historical theology.
Chair responsibilities may include leading summer excavations, coordinating international study experiences, mentoring students, and facilitating public lectures and exhibits on archaeological research.
The Abila Archaeological Project is centered at the ancient site of Abila of the Decapolis in northern Jordan, a location that has yielded valuable insights into the Greco-Roman and early Christian worlds. Through this project, students gain firsthand experience in archaeological fieldwork while engaging with the cultural and historical context of the biblical world.
Vila has been involved with the Abila excavation since 1990 and has led the project since 2008. He joined the JBU faculty in 1999 and launched the Jordan Summer Studies Program in 2006. A scholar of early Christian-Muslim relations, Vila holds a doctorate in historical theology from Saint Louis University and has published extensively on Arabic Christianity.
In addition to his appointment as chair, Vila has been selected as a Fulbright Scholar for the 2025–2026 academic year — his third Fulbright award. He will serve as an affiliated faculty member at the University of Jordan and work in partnership with the Department of Antiquities of Jordan to help develop long-term excavation and tourism strategies for the Abila of the Decapolis site.
“My selection as a Fulbright Scholar is a result of the strong support and encouragement that JBU has given me over the years,” Vila said. “I’m deeply honored by this opportunity and look forward to a meaningful season of collaboration with my Jordanian students and colleagues.”
Vila’s previous Fulbright grants include a Junior Researcher award in 1995–1996 to study Arabic and early Christian-Muslim relations and a 2006–2007 Scholar award to teach and research at the University of Jordan.
"Dr. Vila’s passion for biblical archaeology has inspired many students, and the Abila Chair ensures that his vision for immersive, faith-informed learning — both in the classroom and in the field — will shape JBU’s academic life for years to come," said Rob Norwood, vice president for academic affairs.
For more information about the Abila Archaeological Project and related programs, visit www.jbu.edu/abila.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, business, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.
May 21, 2025
JBU Completes $2.5M Mabee Foundation Challenge Grant
John Brown University successfully completed a $2.5 million challenge grant from the Mabee Foundation to support Project Two of the Mabee Learning Resource Center (LRC) renovation.
To receive the funds, JBU was required to raise $2.7 million from individuals, foundations or businesses designated for the LRC renovation by Jan. 9, 2025. The university met that goal, securing the full Mabee Foundation grant.
In May 2024, the university completed Project One of the LRC renovation, which converted the broadcast studio to a modern soundstage for JBU's film program, relocated staff offices, upgraded the Media Lab, replaced outdated systems and transformed the bridge between the LRC and Chapman buildings into a student study space, Neufeld Commons.
Project Two, scheduled to begin this month, will reinvent the LRC as a modern, integrated Academic Success Center and collaborative learning hub. By bringing together the resources of the library along with all of the university’s services focused on student success into a central location, JBU aims to better meet the need of today’s students.
“For many years, the Mabee Foundation has been a steadfast partner in advancing Christian higher education at JBU," said Jim Krall, senior vice president for university advancement at JBU. "We are deeply grateful for this generous challenge grant, which will enable us to renovate our Learning Resource Center into a dynamic space designed to support the academic growth and personal development of today’s students.”
To learn more about the project and other building projects at JBU, visit jbu.edu/steadfast-faith/lrc.
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, business, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.
May 12, 2025
John Brown University Adds Professional Flight Program
SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (April 3, 2025) – John Brown University announced today the addition of a Bachelor of Science in professional flight beginning fall 2025. The new academic offering is available through a partnership between JBU and Springdale-based flight school Airo (formerly ARH) and will help meet the growing demand for skilled pilots.
The new degree program combines a business-focused liberal arts education through JBU with flight and ground instruction from Airo at the Springdale Municipal Airport. As they progress through the professional flight program, students can earn their private pilot license, instrument flight rating, commercial pilot license and flight instructor certification after the completion of coursework and flight time and successfully passing required industry exams.
“This new degree program will equip students with technical skills and business and general knowledge in ways that will enable them to be excellent pilots in a variety of professional contexts,” said Chip Pollard, president of JBU. "Our partnership with Airo is particularly meaningful because we share a Christian commitment that infuses our mission to serve students well."
Graduates will help fill the growing demand for pilots, driven by retirements and increased demand in both commercial and private sectors. According to Boeing, more than 670,000 new pilots will be needed globally over the next 20 years. The Federal Aviation Administration estimates the U.S. alone will need 130,000 pilots by 2043.
“At Airo, our passion is to train pilots and help them fulfill their dreams of a career in aviation. We provide a great technical trade foundation and our partnership with JBU will expand the potential for our students,” said Camron McAhren, president of Airo. “Having a bachelor’s degree will put students above other candidates that don’t have that same educational foundation.”
With a degree in professional flight, students can pursue a variety of career paths — including piloting commercial, corporate, private, air ambulance or search and rescue flights, missionary aviation and flight instruction.
JBU is the only Christian college in Arkansas to offer an aviation program and one of two programs in the state. Across the U.S., approximately 15 Christian colleges offer degrees in the aviation industry
“There is high demand and limited options for students who want a Christian college experience and a degree in aviation,” said Ryan Ladner, JBU vice president for enrollment. “JBU is known for its academic excellence and hands-on career preparation. We anticipate that our professional flight graduates will be highly sought after.”
JBU will admit up to 20 students to the program in the first year. Students in the program will incur flight school fees in addition to JBU tuition and fees. For more information about the program, visit jbu.edu/flight. Interested students can email Sydney Frager, admissions counselor, at [email protected].
About JBU
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. As Arkansas’ top-ranked private university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 36 states and 44 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs.
About Airo
Founded in 2005, Airo is a hub for flight operations and networking, making aviation accessible to all. From pilot training and tours to business solutions, it offers services tailored to diverse needs nationwide.
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April 3, 2025
JBU Adds Civil Engineering Program to Academic Offerings
SILOAM SPRINGS, Arkansas (Feb. 19, 2025) — John Brown University will offer a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering starting in the fall of 2025, preparing students to meet the growing demand for infrastructure development and improvement.
“Civil engineering plays a critical role in shaping the infrastructure that supports modern life, from safe transportation systems to sustainable water management," said John Lee, Ph.D., department chair of engineering. "JBU’s Christ-centered education will prepare students to approach their work with both technical excellence and a heart for serving their communities.”
As the U.S. faces increasing challenges with aging infrastructure, the demand for civil engineers is growing.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 6% job growth in civil engineering from 2023 to 2033, outpacing the average for all occupations. In Northwest Arkansas, where rapid population growth is driving new development, the need for skilled civil engineers is even greater.
JBU’s civil engineering program will provide students with a strong technical foundation while emphasizing ethical leadership and sustainable design. The program will cover areas such as structural engineering, transportation networks, geotechnical engineering, and environmental sustainability.
Students will also benefit from collaboration with JBU’s construction management and mechanical engineering programs, leveraging shared resources like the university’s high bay lab.
"This new major won’t just benefit engineering students—it’s also going to be great for the CM program. Many of the areas in civil engineering, like soil mechanics, environmental engineering, and geotechnical engineering, are closely related to construction management," said Rick Faust, department head of the construction management department. "The addition of this major will promote collaboration across disciplines, enrich the student experience, and better prepare our graduates for the complexities of the industry."
Graduates from JBU’s civil engineering program will be prepared for careers in structural, transportation, environmental, geotechnical, and water resource engineering.
For more information about the program, visit jbu.edu/majors/civil-engineering or email Dr. John Lee at [email protected].
John Brown University is a leading private Christian university, training students to honor God and serve others since 1919. Arkansas’ top-ranked university (The Wall Street Journal) and top-ranked regional university (U.S. News), JBU enrolls more than 2,200 students from 37 states and 42 countries in its traditional undergraduate, graduate, online and concurrent education programs. JBU offers over 50 undergraduate majors, with top programs including nursing, psychology, business, computer science, construction management, graphic design, family and human services, and engineering. Eighteen graduate degrees are available in business, counseling, cybersecurity, and education.
February 19, 2025
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