Blue Mountain Christian University honors longtime dean Ronald Meeks
Blue Mountain Christian University on Thursday recognized Dr. Ronald T. Meeks for nearly 30 years of service to the school and more than 50 years of gospel ministry, the university said in an August 2026 news release. Meeks is dean of the College of Christian Studies and Worship Arts, chair of the Department of Biblical Studies, professor of biblical studies and director of church relations and ministerial recruiting, the release said.
A native of Corinth, Mississippi, Meeks was baptized at Oakland Baptist Church at 11 and said he sensed a call to preach at 13. He was licensed to the ministry in 1975 under Dr. Tommy Vinson and has delivered thousands of sermons over more than 51 years, preaching in more than 400 revivals, the university said. As an interim pastor and preacher, the release said, Meeks emphasized magnifying Christ, preaching Scripture faithfully, unifying churches around the Great Commission and encouraging congregations and staff.
Meeks joined the Blue Mountain faculty in 1997 after the retirement of Dr. James L. Travis and has focused on training pastors and church leaders, the release said. Honors cited by the university include Outstanding Faculty Honoree at Mississippi Higher Education Appreciation Day in 1999 and 2014; Associational Discipleship Training Director of the Year in 2003; Mississippi Humanities Scholar in 2011; Course of the Year in 2016; inaugural Jim Futral Professor of Biblical Studies and Proclamation in 2017; Faculty of the Year in 2020; the Palmer-Donnell Servant Leadership Award in 2021; and the Blue Mountain Christian University Alumni Association’s Faithful Servant Award in 2026.
University President Dr. Barbara McMillin said Meeks “embodies the very heart of our mission” and credited him with shaping the institution through his commitment to Scripture and students, the release said. Current student Clayton Thurmond said, “Dr. Meeks’ classes are some of the best I’ve ever had at Blue Mountain. He truly went above and beyond to ensure that every class felt like more than a regular lecture.” Student Joshua Hudspeth said, “He genuinely loves [students]. He invests in people, remembers their stories, and never loses sight of the fact that ministry is about serving others for the glory of God,” the release said.
The university said Meeks has published Bible studies, sermons, devotional and homiletical materials with groups including the Stewardship Development Association, Lifeway Christian Resources and WORDsearch Bible Software. Alumni and clergy quoted in the release praised his teaching and mentorship. Alumnus Dr. John Boler of Calvary, Tupelo, said, “I owe much gratitude to Dr. Meeks for teaching me how to be a minister of the gospel.” Pastor Dr. Jason Middleton of Gaston Baptist Church in Booneville said Meeks “modeled what it means to be both a scholar and a shepherd,” and Mississippi Baptist Convention President Dr. Andrew Chesteen said Meeks has taught “thousands of students to know and love the Word of God,” the release said. The university described Meeks as a leader who has helped fulfill its mission to develop intellectual integrity, academic excellence, civility and character.
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