Rate My Professor Eric Bolger

Dr. Eric W. Bolger serves as Vice President for Academic Affairs, Provost, and Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at College of the Ozarks, a position he has held after advancing through key administrative roles since joining the faculty in 1992. Initially appointed as a member of the philosophy and religion division, he later became division chair of humanities. In 2011, Dr. Bolger was named Dean of the College, and he subsequently took on responsibilities as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost. Over his more than three decades at the institution, he has overseen comprehensive academic programming, strategic planning efforts, accreditation processes with the Higher Learning Commission, and pivotal institutional initiatives. These include the establishment of the Armstrong McDonald School of Nursing and the James P. Keeter School of Engineering. Dr. Bolger has also led the launch of four new academic centers in 2025 to deepen Christ-centered education, reflecting the College's core values. His leadership has been instrumental in integrating faith and learning across the academic culture, fostering academic excellence while upholding the College's Christian mission. He has frequently represented the institution at conferences, such as the Higher Learning Commission annual meetings, and contributed to faculty development through announcements of new hires each academic year.

Dr. Bolger earned his B.A. from the University of California, San Diego in 1982, M.Div. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1989, Ph.D. from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in 1993, and D.W.S. from the Robert E. Webber Institute for Worship Studies in 2002. As a professor, he has taught courses including Biblical Theology, Christian Worldview, and interdisciplinary studies such as those focused on family and China experiences. His calm demeanor and thoughtful approach have guided faculty, staff, and students, strengthening the College's distinctive work-education model and commitment to patriotic and vocational education programs.