The Former President of Memphis Seminary Joins the Bethel University Leadership Team

McKENZIE (October 6) — Bethel University today announced the appointment of Jody Hill, D.Min., as Vice President of Advancement. Hill begins his new role today. 

Hill joins Bethel with more than 25 years of experience leading mission-driven organizations through seasons of growth, challenge and transition, most recently serving as President of Memphis Theological Seminary. He brings expertise in advancement, strategic leadership and institutional transition to his new role. 

“Few roles will shape Bethel’s future more than this one, and Jody is the right person  for the job,” said Bethel President Perry Moulds, Ph.D. “He has grown giving, earned  the trust of donors and, in every season, led with honesty and genuine care for the people he serves. That is the kind of integrity we want representing Bethel to our  alumni, our friends and supporters.” 

In his role at Bethel, Hill will report directly to the President and serve on the University’s senior leadership team, overseeing development, alumni relations, advancement services, corporate engagement, church relations and government relations.  He will work alongside the President to grow annual, major, and planned giving, advise the Board of Trustees on philanthropic strategy, and strengthen the University’s historic relationship with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

Hill began his career in higher education advancement in 2014 at Blue Mountain  Christian University, where he served as Vice President for Community Relations.  During his tenure, average annual giving increased 40% and the average number of annual donors rose 52%. 

In January 2020, Hill became President of Memphis Theological Seminary, which traces its roots to Bethel and operated on the McKenzie campus until relocating to  Memphis in 1964. Seeking a sustainable future for the seminary’s mission, he led faculty, staff, trustees, and stakeholders through a discernment process that resulted in an agreement with Southern Methodist University’s Perkins School of Theology to continue ecumenical theological education in Memphis and the Mid-South. 

Before the seminary concluded academic operations July 31, 2026, Hill helped secure full-tuition scholarships for all current master’s and doctoral students to complete their degrees at Perkins. 

“I’ve spent my career in places where generosity changes what’s possible for students, and Bethel is that kind of place,” Hill said. “The seminary I led spent decades on Bethel’s campus, so in a real way this feels like coming home. I can’t wait to meet Bethel’s alumni and friends, hear their stories and invite them into what God is doing here. I’m grateful to Dr. Moulds for this opportunity.” 

Hill was ordained into Christian ministry by the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on  June 10, 2000. He has written three books, including the New York Times bestseller  “38: The Chucky Mullins Effect,” about his late friend and Ole Miss teammate. 

A native of Falkner, Mississippi, Hill was a three-year letterman on the Ole Miss  Rebels football team from 1990 to 1992. He holds a Bachelor of Science from the  University of Mississippi, a Master of Divinity from Memphis Theological Seminary  and a Doctor of Ministry in Strategic Leadership from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife, Monya, have two adult sons, Noah and Luke, and a daughter-in-law, Saige Blanton Hill. 

Hill’s appointment comes as Lougan Bishop, Vice President of Enrollment &  Advancement, transitions to the role of Vice President of Enrollment, Engagement &  Technology. Bishop remains the University’s chief enrollment, marketing, and information officer, overseeing the offices of Admissions, Student Financial Services,  University Marketing & Communications and Information Technology, as well as  University events and special initiatives in coordination with the office of the President. He will continue to work closely with Hill to support advancement and external engagement initiatives.

About Bethel University 

Founded in 1842, Bethel University has spent nearly 185 years helping students turn their talents into purpose. Located in McKenzie, Tennessee, within two hours of both Nashville and Memphis, Bethel is a Christian community of nearly 3,000 students from 33 states and 41 countries. The University’s mission is to equip individuals for a life of service through academic, spiritual, social, and experiential learning to go forth and transform the world. With 52 undergraduate programs and nine graduate programs, Bethel aims to be a leader in student-centered education through innovative academics, character formation, and life skills development. For more information, visit bethelu.edu.