Moody Bible Institute leaders resign amid turmoil

Moody Bible Institute announced Wednesday the resignation of President J. Paul Nyquist and Chief Operating Officer Steve Mogck amid ongoing turmoil following staffing cuts. Provost Junias Venugopal also retired, according to a statement issued by Moody Board of Trustees Chairman Randy Fairfax, who thanked all three men for their service to the school. “They are godly, honorable men to whom we entrust to the Lord and offer our deep gratitude for their years of faithful service to Christ and to Moody,” he wrote. “However, we are unanimous in our decision that it is time for a new season of leadership. I ask that you be in prayer for them and their families.” Fairfax announced the changes in an email to Moody students and staff. In November, Nyquist announced the school would close its Spokane, Wash., campus, reduce distance learning programs, and cut 10 percent of its staff at the flagship Chicago campus. Nyquist blamed the cuts on dropping enrollment. The number of full-time freshman at the Chicago campus dropped by one-quarter during the last seven years. At the start of the 2017-18 school year, Moody reported a full-time enrollment of 3,500 students.