By Chris Shoemaker
Just two days after announcing his plans to step down as president of Bluefield College, David Olive has rescinded his resignation and decided to continue to lead the Baptist school.
Olive attributed his change of heart to “prayer, contemplation and a persuasive board chair” when he said May 28 he would remain as president. On May 26 he announced he would become executive vice president at Charleston Southern University, a Baptist institution in South Carolina.
That was before deliberations with board of trustees chair David Bailey.
“With much prayer, contemplation and the influence of a persuasive board chair, I have rescinded my resignation and determined to further serve among the faithful at Bluefield College for a continued season,” said Olive. “There still are key initiatives the board would like for me to carry out, and I am thankful for the confidence extended to me by the board of trustees.”
Olive spoke also of the grace and mercy extended to him by the board in the process of his reconsideration. He asked for the same grace and mercy from the rest of the Bluefield community as “we recommit to serving alongside one another in the days ahead.”
“My family and I have been touched by the many well wishes expressed by numerous friends, colleagues, alumni and others across the Baptist landscape,” said Olive. “As I have reflected on all that has been written and said, I am truly humbled by the kind accolades.”
Olive quickly attributed his success to the efforts of the faculty and staff he worked alongside.
“None of the things we accomplished these past eight years would have occurred without God’s guidance and blessings, along with the investment and work of so many. May God’s grace and peace embody us and embolden us to persevere in living out the mission of Bluefield College.”
Bailey said trustees “were not prepared for Dr. Olive to leave and we are happy that he has been led to continue working with us at Bluefield College. Our board of trustees is delighted with this news.”
At Charleston Southern, President Jairy Hunter said in a statement, “Dr. Olive and the board of trustees at Bluefield College mutually came to the decision that his leadership will be essential in carrying out several strategic initiatives at [Bluefield]. We thank Dr. Olive for considering this position at CSU and wish him God’s speed.”