WHEREAS, after 17 years of service and leadership, David Olive retired as president of Bluefield University at the end of the 2023–2024 academic year; and

WHEREAS, David Olive holds degrees from Tennessee Technological University, the University of Tennessee, and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; he has previously served as an interim pastor and a law practitioner but has spent most of his career in higher education; and

WHEREAS, David Olive served in various roles at Carson-Newman University, Tennessee Technological University, and the University of Tennessee and became the executive vice president and chief operating officer for adult programs at Pfeiffer University before joining Bluefield University in 2007; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as president of Bluefield University, David Olive developed multiple strategic plans and oversaw significant growth of the institution and its programs while enhancing services and outcomes for students; and

WHEREAS, David Olive guided the construction of new residential buildings and the renovation of other campus facilities, launched online learning programs, and created new degree tracks, including graduate-level degrees and a health sciences and nursing program; and

WHEREAS, highly admired in the field of higher education, David Olive has served as chair of the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia, the Appalachian College Association, and the International Association of Baptist Colleges and Universities; and

WHEREAS, David Olive has also served on the boards of the Appalachian Athletic Conference and the Virginia College Fund and on the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics Council of Presidents; and

WHEREAS, outside of his leadership on campus, David Olive has been an active volunteer in the community and was named as a Paul Harris Fellow by the Rotary Club of Bluefield, West Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in late 2023, David Olive was selected to serve as the first chancellor of Bluefield University, refocusing his role on campus toward advocacy, fundraising, and outreach; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That David Olive hereby be commended on the occasion of his retirement as president of Bluefield University in 2024; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to David Olive as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for his contributions to higher education and service to the Bluefield community.