Christian leaders are often remembered for their sermons or how they help their congregations. When a pastor leaves a mark outside of church walls, it reminds us that God’s work extends far beyond the pulpit—impacting communities and institutions for generations.
Palm Beach Atlantic University’s (PBA) founder Dr. Jess C. Moody lived that truth when he founded the institution in 1968. He had a God-sized dream: Bring a Christ-centered university to South Florida.
Our community has been celebrating what would have been Dr. Moody’s 100th birthday. As we remember his life, we remain thankful for his boldness. Because of his dedication, God’s provision, and the community’s unwavering support, PBA is a thriving, Christ-first institution in the heart of a growing region.
Many remember Dr. Moody for his warmth toward students, colleagues, and congregations. After feeling called to preach at age 17, Dr. Moody began his ministry with Youth for Christ. He served as pastor of First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach for 15 years and later pastored First Baptist Church Van Nuys in California. In every capacity he served, he met people right where they were.
Inheriting Servant Leadership
Dr. Moody’s legacy also lives on through his family, who have faithfully supported PBA over the years. We are grateful for his son, Patrick, an alumnus who often attends and speaks at university events like Homecoming, sharing unique stories about PBA’s founders. He and his wife Amy also support our students through the Patrick and Amelia Moody Theatre Scholarship. Patrick’s son, Chris Moody, a freelance journalist and lecturer at Appalachian State University, has also inspired PBA students—sharing his journey of being a senior correspondent at CNN to living in a van with his wife and learning his worth is rooted in Christ.
Jessica Moody Bruce also inherited her grandfather’s characteristic of servant leadership. In January she will become our next Alumni Association board president, working to keep alums connected to PBA and strengthen the community Dr. Moody started.
No matter the initiative or event, the Moody family always joyfully engages with PBA students, faculty, and staff. I see this joy radiate across our campus, and I am grateful to play a part in bringing his vision to life—especially as we look ahead to the next five decades.
Building on a Dream
Our location in downtown West Palm Beach strategically positions PBA to grow, while hundreds of Fortune 500 companies move to the region. We have already seen record-breaking enrollment in the last few years, reflecting an increased demand for high-quality Christian education.
Under the God-Sized Dreams campaign, in 2024 we broke ground on the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, the campaign’s first major construction project. Our expanded facilities are earmarked by specialized accreditations, including the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB)—placing the Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business in the top six percent of global business schools. We’ve also started work on a new 25-story residence hall.
As we grow our campus and further Dr. Moody’s dream, I pray our students clearly see what it means to live a purpose-filled life. Our founder’s legacy will continue to inspire our strategic plans as we equip the next generation of leaders—maybe even the next Jess Moody—to grow in wisdom, lead with conviction, and serve God boldly.
To learn more about PBA’s God-sized dreams, click here.