Fourth Annual Convocation Service and the Installation of Dr. Stephen J. Nichols as Second President
Posted On September 26, 2014
Reformation Bible College held its fourth annual convocation service on Friday, September 19, and installed Dr. Stephen J. Nichols as the college’s second president. The convocation service and installation, held at Saint Andrew’s Chapel in Sanford, Fla., were part of Ligonier Ministries’ 2014 Fall Conference at Reformation Bible College and the RBC Fall Preview Weekend.
Dr. Nichols was appointed as RBC’s second president in March, succeeding founder Dr. R.C. Sproul, who assumes a new role as chancellor. Concurrent with his role as RBC president, Dr. Nichols was also named chief academic officer for Ligonier Ministries. He previously served as research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College in Lancaster, Pa., and he has taught at Reformed Theological Seminary and Westminster Theological Seminary. He holds degrees from Philadelphia College of Bible (now Cairn University; B.S.), West Chester University (M.A.), and Westminster Theological Seminary (M.A.R., Ph.D.). He is a prolific author and a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow. Dr. Nichols is married to Dr. Heidi Nichols, who also teaches as an adjunct at RBC. They have three children.
Dr. Nichols’ appointment comes during a time of rapid growth at RBC. This fall, 32 new students enrolled, bringing the total number of students to 85. The college has added two full-time faculty members in the past year.
The RBC convocation service heralded the beginning of a new academic year at the college. The service began with the mighty sounds of “Highland Cathedral,” featuring Reginald Lyle on bagpipes and Terry Yount on organ. The faculty, led by Dr. Nichols, processed in full academic regalia to the hymn “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.”
Dr. R.C. Sproul Jr., rector and chair of philosophy and theology, prayed the prayer of invocation, Dr. L. Michael Morales, chair of biblical studies, read from the Scriptures.
Dr. Nichols delivered the convocation address, working from 1 Corinthians 1:26–2:5. In keeping with the theme of the 2014 Fall Conference at RBC, “We Would See Jesus,” Dr. Nichols emphasized the utmost importance of Christians’ proclaiming Christ and Him crucified above all else. After the address, attendees sang the college hymn, “Clothed in Righteousness,” written by Dr. Sproul.
On behalf of Dr. Sproul, Chris Larson, president of Ligonier Ministries, officiated the installation of Dr. Nichols as president, administering the presidential vows, praying for Dr. Nichols’ presidency, and fastening RBC’s presidential medallion and chain of office around his neck.
Dr. Nichols’ first act upon being officially installed as president was to administer the faculty vows, in which the faculty affirm their faith in and their commitment to teach the truth of the Christian faith. The service concluded with “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name.”
Dr. R.C. Sproul and the board, staff, and faculty of Reformation Bible College and Ligonier Academy of Biblical and Theological Studies are grateful to God for his blessings in the work of RBC, for the prayers of God’s people for the college, and for the Lord’s continued provision.
To learn more about RBC, browse ReformationBibleCollege.org or call 888-RBC-1517.