Professor Jeff Bolster has been a dedicated member of the Point Loma Nazarene University (PLNU) community for many years. He joined the Fermanian School of Business in 2014 as an Adjunct Professor of Management, bringing a wealth of leadership and administrative experience to the classroom.
Before his current role, Professor Bolster served in various capacities at PLNU, including Dean of Students & Director of Residential Life and Lead Title IX Investigator for the Office of Student Development. His deep commitment to student well-being and community-building was also evident during his tenure as the Director of International Ministries within the Office of Spiritual Development.
Professor Bolster's passion for global service and ministry was shaped early on during a year-long mission in Quito, Ecuador. Prior to his time abroad, he held multiple director-level positions within PLNU's Office of Spiritual Development, where he contributed significantly to fostering spiritual growth and leadership among students.
Through his diverse roles, Professor Bolster has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to leadership, student development, and a mission-driven approach to education.
Education
- Ph.D., University of San Diego
- M.A., Point Loma Nazarene University
- B.A., Point Loma Nazarene University
Courses Taught
- Leadership Communications - BUS 6065
- Leading with Integrity - BUS 6048
Experience in Field
- Point Loma Nazarene University, Vice President for University Services, 2018-present
- Point Loma Nazarene University, Adjunct Professor of Leadership, 2014 - present
- Point Loma Nazarene University, Dean of Students, 2008-2018
- University of San Diego, Adjunct Faculty, 2014-Present
- National University, Adjunct Faculty, 2012-Present
- Point Loma Nazarene University, Director of International Outreach, 2000-2002, 2004-2008
Professional and Community Involvement
- Campus Master Planning Steering Committee, Chair
- COVID-19 Task Force, Chair
- Western Associates Schools and Colleges Accreditation Steering Committee
- Strategic Enrollment Planning Committee
- Title IX Committee
- Future Initiatives Think Tank Committee
- Enrollment Management and Operations Committee
- Summer School Task Force
- New Student Orientation Executive Planning Committee
- Summer Planning Group
- Retention Task Force
- Vocational Reader Committee
Dissertations, Presentations, and Publications
- Bolster, J. (January 2023). “Listening as Leadership.” Annual Conference: Hawaii International
Conference on Education. Honolulu, Hawaii. - Boslster, J. (January, 2020), "Ready to Get Past Arm Wrestling? Consider the Tenets of 'Self, Theory & Others' as an effective and integrated approach to implementing student services, programs, and activities." Annual Conference: Hawaii International Conference on Education. Honolulu, Hawaii.
- Bolster, J. & Gilbertson, J. (August, 2019), "Campus Facilities Protocols and the Student Living Space." Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (August, 2017), "Nial Horan's Dirty Laundry.", Point Loma Nazarene University. New Student Orientation. San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (August, 2017), "A Cycle of Making Decisions About Alcohol." Student Development Staff and Student Leader Training. Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (August, 2016), " Dating Advice From Selena Gomez?" New Student Orientation. Point Loma Nazarene Universty, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (August, 2016), "A Cycle of Making Decisions About Alcohol." Student Development Staff and Student Leader Training. Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (February, 2016), "Understanding the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)." Student Development Staff and Student Leader Training. Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (February, 2016), "Student Conduct Response: A Growth Plan Model." Annual National Conference: Association for Student Conduct Administrators. St. Petersburg Beach, Florida
- Bolster, J. (October, 2015). "Alcohol, Drugs, and the PLNU Student Conduct Process" First Year Leadership Forum. Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. & Wolf, M. (August, 2015). "Perspectives on Collaborative Leadership." Student Leader Training: LEAD Week. Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (August, 2015). "Life Advice from Justin Beiber." New Student Orientation. Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (August, 2015). "A Cycle of Making Decisions About Alcohol." Student Development Staff and Student Leader Training. Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (August, 2015). "Mapping the PLNU Undergraduate Experience, a Qualitative Study." Student Development Staff and Student Leader Training. Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (May, 2015). "Student Development Theory: Mapping the Experience of the College Years." Point Loma Nazarene University Athletic Department Professional Development Day. San Diego, California.
- Bolster, J. (2015). Book launch for Facing Challenges: Feminism in Christian Higher Education and Other Places. Jule, Allyson and Tate Pedersen, Bettina (Eds.). Trinity Western University. Langley Township, British Columbia.
- Bolster, J. (January 2015). “Big Questions During the College Years.” Annual Conference: Hawaii
International Conference on Education. Honolulu, Hawaii. - Bolster, J. (August 2014). “Ariana Grande Goes to College?” New Student Orientation. Point Loma
Nazarene University. San Diego, California. - Bolster, J. (August 2014). “A Cycle of Making College Decisions.” Student Development Staff and
Student Leader Training. Point Loma Nazarene University. San Diego, California. - Bolster, J. (August 2014). “Mapping the PLNU Undergraduate Experience, a Qualitative Study.”
Student Development Staff and Student Leader Training. Point Loma Nazarene University. San
Diego, California. - Bolster, J. (April 2014). “Student Development Theory and the Work of Student Conduct.” National
webinar hosted for the Association for Student Conduct Administrators. - Bolster, J. (February 2014). “Student Development Theory: Mapping the Experiences of the College
Years.” Annual National Conference: Association for Student Conduct Administrators. St. Petersburg
Beach, Florida. - Bolster, J. (January 2014). “Mapping the Experiences of the College Years.” Annual Conference: Hawaii
International Conference on Education. Honolulu, Hawaii. - Bolster, J. (May 2013). “Mapping the PLNU Undergraduate Experience, a Qualitative Study.” Annual
Retreat: PLNU Office of External Relations. La Quinta, California. - Bolster, J. (January 2013). “What Do They Say? Students Share Their Perspectives on Mentoring.”
Annual Conference: Hawaii International Conference on Education. Honolulu, Hawaii. - Bolster, J. (April 2012). “Students Upon Arrival.” Forum on Youth Ministry and the Current Cultural
Context: Point Loma Nazarene University Center for Pastoral Leadership. San Diego, California. - Bolster, J. (October 2011). “What Do They Say? Students Share Their Perspectives on Mentoring.”
Annual Conference: Society for the Study of Emerging Adulthood. Providence, Rhode Island. - Bolster, J. (June 2011). “What Do They Say? Students Share Their Perspectives on Mentoring.” Annual
Conference: North American Coalition for Christian Admissions Professionals. San Diego, California - Bolster, J. (May 2011). Unpublished Dissertation: What Do They Say? Students from a Private,
Faith-Based University Share Their Perspectives on College as a Mentoring Environment. University
of San Diego, School of Leadership and Education Sciences. San Diego, California. - Bolster, J. (Feb. 2011). “A Collaborative Approach to First Alcohol Offenses: Public Safety, Residential
Life, and Wellness.” Annual National Conference: Association for Student Conduct Administrators.
St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. - Bolster, J. (Nov. 2010). “Blame It On the Alcohol? We Were Intended for More.” Chapel Presentation.
Point Loma Nazarene University. San Diego, California. - Bolster, J. & Horning, K. (Oct. 2010). “Sexual Harassment and Hazing: Prevention Training for Young
Adults and Those Who Work with Them.” Changing Faces: Changing Opportunities & Campus
Climates for Women & Men Conference. Abilene Christian University. Abilene, Texas. - Bolster, J. & Horning, K. (Aug. 2009). “Understanding and Preventing Sexual Harassment and Hazing on
the College Campus.” L.E.A.D. Week Leadership Training Conference for Undergraduates. Point
Loma Nazarene University. San Diego, California. - Bolster, J. & Cordeiro, P. (March 2008). “Forging a Collective Identity for Educational Leadership around
the World.” AERA Annual Conference. Division A: International Committee. New York, New York. - Bolster, J. (April 2008). “The Future of the Scholar-Practitioner: Integrated Lives, Integrated Leadership.”
Roundtable discussion at International Leadership Association Annual Conference. Los Angeles,
California. - Bolster, J. (April 2008). “Is It Worth It? Challenges and Opportunities in Using Undergraduates as
International Volunteers.” Paper presentation at the Nazarene Global Theology Conference.
Amsterdam, Netherlands. - Bolster, J. (May 2001). Unpublished MA Thesis: “A Struggle with Hope: Evaluation of Faith-Based
Initiatives in Post-Genocide Rwanda.” Point Loma Nazarene University, Graduate School of
Theology. San Diego, California.
