A Legacy of Leadership

Photo provided by Rampage student photographer Rachel Hendrick.

After almost four years of service to Bluefield University, Provost Michael Salmeier is bidding farewell to BU.

During his time at the university, Dr. Salmeier has overseen multiple facets of the organization, including Academics, Easley Library, Student Success, Institutional Effectiveness, Information Technology, and the Registrar’s Office. He also served as interim president for eight months until Dr. Peterson filled the role in 2024.

Before coming to BU, Dr. Salmeier worked at two Christian universities, one of which was Asbury Theological Seminary. After a former co-worker told him about the provost position vacancy at Bluefield University, Dr. Salmeier applied, hoping to work with his friend again. As it would turn out, Dr. Salmeier secured the job, but not before his friend left BU.

Dr. Salmeier’s leadership capabilities have shone throughout the many roles he has filled at BU. Bethany Justis, executive assistant to the president, said that even in the midst of difficult times for the university, Dr. Salmeier stayed positive and encouraged his co-workers.

“It has been a privilege to work with Dr. Salmeier, especially during the presidential transition,” Justis said.

She spoke about a time in early 2024 when there was a lot of uncertainty about the future of Bluefield University. She said Dr. Salmeier scheduled a campus-wide meeting for faculty and staff to address concerns.

“The anxiety in the room was palpable until Dr. Salmeier led us all in a time of corporate prayer,” Justis said. “Almost immediately, the atmosphere changed as God’s peace settled on us, and we prayed together as a body of believers. We still had a lot of uncertainty, but he reminded us of the One with the answers. I feel like this characterized his leadership as he looked to God for guidance.”

Dr. Peterson also remarked on Dr. Salmeier’s leadership and his servant’s heart.

“Dr. Salmeier exemplified the servant leadership we strive for at BU,” Dr. Peterson said. “I remember during Hurricane Helene, he was one of the first people to show up and help with the campus clean-up. That is the kind of person he is. He is willing to jump in and help out wherever he is needed.”

Dr. Salmeier is proud of several achievements the university has achieved during his time at BU, including establishing a 10-year reaffirmation of accreditation with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), leading BU through a financial crisis, and working toward establishing doctoral programs, which may come to fruition soon. However, Dr. Salmeier remains “most proud of the students.” His favorite part of his job is presenting students to the president at commencement.

Dr. Salmier noted that although he is proud of the aforementioned accomplishments, he acknowledges they were an effort of BU and its surrounding community.

“Those things I’ve said I’m proud of, I’m not proud of them because I did them — I didn’t,” Dr. Salmeier said. “I’m proud of them because I’ve seen how wonderful, committed people came together and made a difference. That’s the legacy of Bluefield University — it changes lives because its people are servant leaders willing to sacrifice to see lives and communities transformed.”

As for his closing statement to the university, Dr. Salmeier leaves us with this: “My farewell message to the BU community is thank you and keep it up. Keep the servant heart, and this place will continue to rise. Go Rams!”