A Season of Transition at Reformation Bible College
Posted On March 13, 2026
The board of Reformation Bible College has announced that after many years of steadfast leadership, Dr. Stephen J. Nichols will conclude his tenure as president on May 31, 2026.
The chairman of RBC’s board, Robert Wohleber, wrote:
“For twelve years, Dr. Nichols has faithfully served Reformation Bible College, helping build it into one of America’s strongest Reformed Christian colleges. We celebrate his leadership and thank God for his dedication.”
Those familiar with RBC understand that Dr. Nichols has served the college not only as a president but also as a teacher, mentor, and friend. His love for the institution and its students has been evident throughout his tenure. We are deeply grateful for his years of faithful leadership and for the many ways he has helped shape RBC into the school it is today.
Looking back on his time as president, Dr. Nichols said:
“I am very grateful to God for these years. I have enjoyed working under the board and alongside all the faculty and staff. And, of course, I am grateful for all the students I had the privilege to serve. I believe, however, that it is time for me to step aside for this next chapter of RBC and allow for new leadership to move RBC forward to what God has planned next. We know that God guides us, and we trust and rest in Him.”
During this period of transition, Dr. John Tweeddale will oversee the college’s daily educational mission and operations. Additionally, Dr. Derek Thomas will serve as interim provost.
Dr. Tweeddale shared his gratitude for Dr. Nichols:
“Dr. Nichols has faithfully served the RBC community. During his tenure, the Lord has been exceedingly kind to this college, and RBC has experienced remarkable growth while continuing its mission of educating students in the historic Christian faith.”
By God’s grace, this growth includes a thriving student body, with more than 200 studying on campus and over 80 joining us online. The RBC campus currently has students from 39 U.S. states and three additional countries.
Even amid this transition, the daily life of the college continues as we anticipate the end of the semester.
Across the campus this week, students have been finishing their midterms. Over spring break, dean of students Rev. Cody Wilbanks led a weeklong missions intensive for RBC students on the campus of The Voice of the Martyrs in Oklahoma. Our director of the Reformed Classical Education program, Rev. Robert Ingram, also led a weeklong course on pedagogy and philosophy of education.
On April 8, we will host our annual Spring Preview Day and welcome prospective students to campus to experience RBC firsthand. We’ll also gather at Ligonier’s 2026 National Conference, providing several opportunities for students and alumni to connect. Looking further ahead, we eagerly anticipate Commencement on May 8 to celebrate 87 graduates as they launch into their callings.
The mission of Reformation Bible College remains unchanged. Our faculty and staff are fully committed to educating students in the Reformed classical tradition so they may know, serve, and worship God in all of life.
In chapel this week, the RBC community sang the familiar hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness.” The words of this hymn remind us of a truth that has sustained the church throughout every generation: the faithfulness of God does not change. In light of that precious truth, there is strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.
We trust that the same Lord who guided Dr. R.C. Sproul to found RBC, and who used Dr. Nichols during a season of tremendous growth, will continue to guide and uphold RBC in the days ahead.
For that reason, we give thanks for the past, we remain faithful in the present, and we look forward with anticipation.
Great is His faithfulness.