Rate My Professor Eric Bolger

Eric Bolger, Ph.D., has served College of the Ozarks for more than 33 years, beginning in 1992 as a faculty member in philosophy and religion and currently holding the title of Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies. He progressed through significant administrative roles, including Division Chair of Humanities, Dean of the College in 2011, Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Provost. In these capacities, Bolger directed academic programming, strategic planning, accreditation processes, and major institutional initiatives. He played a key role in establishing the Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing and the James P. Keeter School of Engineering, contributing to the College's growth and national recognition. His leadership emphasized integrating faith and learning, upholding the institution's Christian mission, and advancing its distinctive work college model, enabling students to work on campus, fund their education, and graduate debt-free. Bolger's calm demeanor, thoughtful guidance, and dedication have profoundly shaped the academic culture, influencing countless students, faculty, and staff toward lives of purpose and service.

Bolger teaches courses in Bible, theology, philosophy, and worship studies at College of the Ozarks. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the journal Faithful Lives: Reflections on the World (Volume 5, 2020), where he authored essays including "Worship in the Garden of Eden," exploring Genesis 2-3 as a prototype for biblical worship with tabernacle allusions and Adam as the first priest, and "Psalm-shaped Worship: Reflections on Faithful Worship in the Psalms," examining how psalms of praise, lament, and orientation guide Christian worship through a Christocentric lens. Beyond campus, he acts as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies and joined the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees. In April 2026, upon the appointment of his successor, Dr. Susan DeWoody, the College honored Bolger's enduring legacy of steady leadership, wise counsel, and unwavering commitment to academic excellence and mission-driven education.