About Dr. Bridges 

Dr. Kermit S. Bridges was selected in December 1999 by the Board of Regents to serve as president following the retirement of Dr. Delmer R. Guynes. Bridges served as Vice President for University Advancement from 1994 to 1999, during which he directed what was Nelson University’s most effective capital campaign – resulting in the construction of phase one of the Sheaffer Center and the acquisition of the university’s North Campus. 

As Vice President for University Advancement, he also led a student recruitment strategy that produced seven consecutive record enrollments. 

As Nelson’s longest-sitting president, Bridges achieved a number of key milestones. More than half of the university’s under-roof square footage was constructed since 2000, including phase two of the Sheaffer Center, Teeter and Bridges Residence Halls, the Garrison Wellness Center and the Hagee Communication Center. 

Nelson University also reached record enrollment levels above 2,000 students from 2009-2012. The school achieved growth in all areas – on-campus, online and in Harrison Graduate School. 

Another hallmark of Bridges’ presidency is a push toward new academic programs. With more than 45 new programs, Bridges has introduced some of Nelson’s top performing programs – Criminal Justice, Sports Management, Digital Media Arts and Social Work. 

Bridges is a graduate of Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., where he was awarded a Doctor of Ministry. Bridges’ doctoral program focused on church leadership and management. His passion is to see Nelson University become a training center for the development of Christ-like leaders who will influence the world through their unique callings and careers. 

Dr. Bridges is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and prior to his tenure at Nelson, served as the senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Grand Prairie, TX, and as an associate pastor at Oak Cliff Assembly of God in Dallas, Park Crest Assembly of God in Springfield, MO, and First Assembly of God in Garland, TX. While serving on staff at Oak Cliff Assembly of God in Dallas, Kermit met his wife Jan Quistad, a native of Minneapolis, MN. 

Jan Bridges has taught in public and Christian schools, filled education administration roles, and served as a faculty member at Nelson University. The Bridges’ have two sons, James and Forrest, both of whom attended Nelson. 

Under Bridges, Nelson University launched more than 45 new programs and redesigned many more. Meanwhile, the school is moving aggressively to form partnerships with districts and schools of ministry around the country. 

President’s Cabinet

Dr. Kim Trewern

Vice President of Academics

Dr. Lance Meche

Vice President for Student Development

Rick Bowles

Vice President for Advancement

Dr. Jay Trewern

Vice President for Business and Finance