Education
Bob Jones University Purge … & Ellen Weaver?
If we had predicted six months ago that the BJU Chairman of the Board, President & Chief of Staff would all be gone today … you would have said we were crazy.
If we had predicted six months ago that the Bob Jones University (BJU) Chairman of the Board (John Lewis), President (Steve Pettit) & Chief of Staff (Randy Page) would all be gone today … you would have said we were crazy.
Well guess what … they are all gone today … but is the reckoning over?
Story Background:
We all recall the great debate about Ellen Weaver’s “master’s degree”. It all started with an obscure requirement passed into law and approved by voters in 2018 that requires the SC Superintendent of Education to possess a master’s degree.
“Per the South Carolina State House, a superintendent of education must hold a master’s degree and have experience in public education. In turn, Weaver enrolled in Bob Jones University (BJU) and is said to have completed 33 hours of coursework in six months’ time.” – WIS News (10/17/2022) [Continue Reading]
Filing for the statewide SC Superintendent of Education office was in March 2022. Weaver was the hands down leading candidate with the most (special interest) money backing her … as well as virtually the entire Republican “establishment” and SCGOP leadership, namely SCGOP Chairman Drew McKissick, which raised questions as to his personal and the SCGOP’s impartiality in the race.
However in April of 2022, it was discovered that several candidates did not have the necessary educational requirements … Ellen Weaver being chief among them. It was then disclosed that Chairman McKissick had certified Weaver as a candidate even though she was not qualified to hold the office at the time.
After discover Weaver did not qualify, Weaver first enrolled in an online master’s degree program at Western Governor’s University. That apparently was not going to work out in time … or the WGU administration was not willing to risk their school’s accreditation for Weaver’s timeline … so she quickly enrolled in a master’s degree program at her alma mater, the very politically active Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC.
The only problem … the degree was (and still is) advertised as a 2-year program. Weaver did not have two years, so “special” treatment was needed, and somehow she obtained the 33 credit hour degree in less than six months.
All along the way there were calls of outrage, but Weaver and the establishment party leaders were not budging. They needed Weaver to win and nothing, including risking the accreditation of BJU, the potential for Weaver being disqualified and a Democrat being installed to that office, nor the risk of BJU leadership losing their jobs was going to stop them.
Ultimately on November 8th, 2022, Weaver defeated her Democrat opponent Lisa Ellis, 55% to 43% in the statewide election.
Post Election Timeline:
However, the election win is not the end of the story.
In December 2022 it was reported that the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) had asked BJU to submit a monitoring report after they received complaints about new state superintendent Ellen Weaver’s six-month master’s degree. (The Greenville News – December 12, 2022)
“Both letters, sent [to] the State and Federal Attorney General’s Office, cite a conspiracy to commit fraud [by] Ellen Weaver, Bob Jones University and the State’s Republican Party.” – WIS News (01/14/2023) [CONTINUE READING]
On January 11th, 2023, the SC Democratic Party Chairman Trav Roberston, Jr. sent letters to US Attorney General Merrick Garland and South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson asking them to investigate the circumstances surrounding the candidate certification of Ellen Weaver. The letters accused Ellen Weaver, the SCGOP, Bob Jones University & the SACSCOC of conspiracy to commit fraud and circumvent SC Election Law. It is a pretty powerful statement. (HERE.)
“… these organizations conspired to commit fraud and circumvent South Carolina law.” 1/11/2023 Letter to US Attorney General Merrick Garland
On January 19th, BJU President Steve Pettit signed a 3-year extension on his contract. It appeared to most that there were going to be no ramifications for the Ellen Weaver “master’s degree” debacle. (The Post & Courier Greenville – January 19, 2023)
Despite the 3-year contract extension, on March 30th Pettit submitted a letter to the BJU Board of Trustees citing grievances with the leadership of then-board Chairman John Lewis. In the letter, Pettit said he would resign if Lewis remained chair. (The Post & Courier Greenville – April 21, 2023)
On April 6th, Lewis resigned, leaving an open question of whether that move changed Pettit’s status. The resignation (strangely enough) did not change the embattled President’s status, raising questions as to whether the professed grievances were the real reason for both resignations. Pettit left the school effective May 5th.
Later in April, BJU Chief of Staff and SCGOP “Republican” political operative Randy Page left the University for a position as the state director of the pro-Ron DeSantis Never Back Down PAC. (The Post & Courier – April 25, 2023)
Ask yourself, who leaves a job as a university Chief of Staff for a temporary and often revolving door PAC position. … even as a state director? The SC Republican Presidential Preference Primary will be held on February 24, 2024 … so what will Randy do after this job is over? This move raised further questions as to the real reason for Page’s resignation given he is widely believed to be the mastermind behind the Weaver BJU “master’s degree” arrangement.
“Page … told the Greenville News that one could apply for a fast-track course in consultation with the faculty program coordinator.”
“Page … University President Steve Pettit and professors in leadership positions donated to Weaver’s campaign.”
The Greenville News (12/12/2022) [CONTINUE READING]
Connecting the Dots:
Although the mainstream media is not reporting it yet … the rumor mill in Greenville is that the BJU departures are more related to the Ellen Weaver’s BJU “master’s degree” issue than any personnel differences or temporary political opportunities.
Time will tell … but if you were BJU leadership would you want to announce publicly that these leadership departures were part of a potential crime or an agreed to punishment for the political favoritism shown Weaver? We wouldn’t.
Stay tuned for more developments …
Business
Coffee & Politics – Greenville Edition – September 11th, 2026
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Coffee & Politics – September 11th, 2026 – YouTube (HERE), RUMBLE (HERE) & X (HERE)
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THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS:
Coffee & Politics – Greenville Edition (September 11th, 2026) Highlights
Thank you for joining us for this special September 11th edition of Coffee & Politics Greenville. This week’s discussion reflected on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, remembered conservative activist Charlie Kirk, explored South Carolina political developments, school choice, economic policy, and the importance of conservative unity heading into the November election.
Key Topics & Timestamps
0:00 – Opening, Yom Teruah & Prayer: The program opens with a discussion of Yom Teruah (Feast of Trumpets), the blowing of the shofar, and a prayer for America, South Carolina, and the Greenville community.
2:40 – Remembering Charlie Kirk & September 11th: The panel observes a moment of silence marking the first anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s assassination and reflects on the impact of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Participants share personal memories of where they were on 9/11 and discuss how that day changed America.
20:00 – The State of Conservative Politics: Discussion turns to the Republican movement, grassroots activism, and the challenges facing conservatives in maintaining unity while advancing policy goals.
31:00 – South Carolina Senate Race & Ralph Norman Debate: The panel examines the aftermath of the Republican Senate primary, reactions from supporters of Ralph Norman, and the importance of avoiding divisions that could benefit Democrats in November.
35:00 – Why Republicans Cannot Take South Carolina for Granted: A discussion of demographic changes, migration into South Carolina, and concerns that the state could become more politically competitive if conservatives become complacent.
38:00 – School Choice & Education Freedom: An extensive conversation on school choice, education policy, Superintendent Ellen Weaver, and the future of educational freedom efforts in South Carolina.
1:05:00 – Economic Growth, Inflation & Trump’s Policies: Panelists discuss economic growth, inflation, tax policy, and the challenges of balancing prosperity with fiscal responsibility.
1:17:00 – Afghanistan Withdrawal & National Security: A review of the Biden Administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Abbey Gate tragedy, and a recently released documentary examining the decisions surrounding the withdrawal.
1:20:00 – General Election Outlook: Discussion of the November election, the challenge posed by Democrat Annie Andrews, and why conservatives must remain focused on winning the general election.
Featured Quotes
“Most people can remember exactly where they were on September 11th.”
“Politics is a team sport. It’s about the mission, not about any one individual.“
“We do not need to take South Carolina for granted.”
“School choice should be about families and students—not protecting special interests.”
Key Takeaways:
(1) We Must Never Forget 9/11: The panel reflected on the lasting impact of the attacks and the sacrifices made by first responders, military personnel, and their families.
(2) Conservative Unity Matters: Internal disagreements are inevitable, but Republicans must remain focused on defeating Democrats in November and advancing conservative principles.
(3) School Choice Remains a Major Battle: Educational freedom continues to be one of the most important policy discussions in South Carolina.
(4) Economic Growth Requires Discipline: The conversation highlighted the need for growth-oriented policies that avoid excessive inflation and government expansion.
(5) Elections Have Consequences: Whether discussing education, national security, or economic policy, the panel emphasized that voter participation remains essential.
Quote of the Week:
“Politics is a team sport. It’s about the mission.”
Thank you for watching Coffee & Politics Greenville. Please share the episode with friends, family, and fellow conservatives, and join us again next Friday morning for another conversation about the issues affecting South Carolina and our nation.
Enjoy … and get ready for #ReOrg2027!!!
HAPPY 250th America!!!
Countdowns (as of 09/11/2026):
Tuesday, November 3, 2026 – 52 days (Election Day)
Monday, March 1, 2027 – 170 days (ReOrg 2027)
Saturday, Feb. 26, 2028 – 532 days (est. ’28 Republican PPP)
Tuesday, June 13, 2028 – 640 days (’28 PRIMARIES)
WHEN: Every Friday from 11am – 1pm
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September 11th, 2001 … remember where you were?
For those old enough to remember, the answer is usually immediate. Whether at work, at school, at home, or on the road, Americans watched in disbelief as terrorists hijacked four airliners and carried out the deadliest attack on U.S. soil in our nation’s history. Nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives that day, and America was forever changed.
Today marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks of September 11th. Yet a sobering reality remains: approximately one-third of all Americans were not even alive when the Twin Towers fell. For an entire generation, 9/11 is not a memory—it is history taught in classrooms and remembered through stories shared by parents, grandparents, first responders, and veterans.
As time passes, our responsibility remains the same. We remember the victims, honor the heroes, pray for the families who still carry the loss, and teach the next generation what happened on that clear September morning.
Twenty-five years later, America still pauses to reflect on the day that changed our nation. May we never forget the courage displayed, the sacrifices made, and the unity that emerged in the face of unimaginable tragedy.
Never Forget.
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September 10th, 2025, is a day many conservatives will never forget.
On that infamous day the conservative movement lost one of its most influential voices when Charlie Kirk was tragically assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University. He was just 31 years old. A future President struck down.
As the founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie dedicated his life to engaging young Americans in the political process, defending constitutional principles, and challenging a culture that too often discourages free speech and open debate. Through his leadership, Turning Point USA grew into one of the most significant grassroots organizations in the country, inspiring a generation of conservative activists. Be Charlie!!!
Charlie Kirk was never afraid to stand for his convictions. He believed America was worth defending, freedom was worth preserving, and young people were worth investing in. Youth is the future.
As we remember Charlie Kirk, we honor a husband, father, patriot, and tireless advocate for the values he cherished. His life serves as a reminder that ideas matter, civic engagement matters, standing up for your faith matters, and courage in the public square matters.
May Charlie rest in peace, and may his family continue to find strength in the legacy he left behind.
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– By Jeff Davis
The end date was August 30th, 2021.
If you have questions about America’s military and foreign policy decisions under President Donald J. Trump, I would highly encourage you to watch the newly released 57-minute Wall Street Journal Opinion documentary, The Path to Zero: The Withdrawal From Afghanistan.
Produced by Michael Park’s Palladium Pictures (HERE), the film examines the decisions and events that led to the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021. It traces the collapse of the Afghan government, the frantic evacuation effort at Kabul’s airport, and the deadly Abbey Gate bombing that claimed the lives of 13 American service members.
What makes the documentary especially important is how quickly many Americans have forgotten those events under the previous Biden Administration. They question the direction of President Trump on international affairs … while forgetting exactly how embarrassing things were just 5 years ago.
The Path to Zero is available to watch free on The Wall Street Journal Opinion YouTube channel (HERE).
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Between the “Write-In Ralph” movement and the television ads for Democrat Annie Andrews during Labor Day weekend football games, we’re seeing a lot of angst about the potential outcome of the November 3rd U.S. Senate election here in South Carolina.
Before folks get too worked up, remember not to get distracted by emotion. Election Day is still nearly two months away. There are very capable people being paid to plan and execute Darline Graham’s campaign, and they are certainly not planning to lose.
And remember to pay attention to the available data. While the Darline Graham campaign has to execute and not be over confident, the betting odds prediction markets show a high confidence in a Darline Graham victory. 85% to 15% in fact. People willing to put their money behind their expectations – not just share opinions on social media – by far view Graham as the likely winner.
Of course, prediction markets are only one data point, and campaigns are won through voter engagement and turnout, not bets. But at this moment, the available indicators do not suggest panic.
We’ve been doing this for a long time – too long in fact – but one lesson remains constant:
Think logically, not emotionally.
85% Graham v. 15% Andrews
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Labor Day can be confusing for conservatives. Sure, we love a holiday barbeque with family and friends … but are we celebrating Labor Unions?
Whatever the history of Labor Day (WikiPedia: HERE), the reality is that today we celebrate Labor Day by honoring the men and women whose hard work strengthens our families, communities, state, and nation.
Work is more than a paycheck. It is a source of purpose, responsibility, and pride. Through honest labor, people provide for their loved ones, serve their neighbors, create opportunities for future generations, and contribute to the common good. These efforts often go unnoticed, but their contributions are invaluable.
As we observe this Labor Day, we thank all those whose dedication and perseverance help make South Carolina and America strong. May we never lose sight of the simple truth that work has dignity, responsibility builds character, and opportunity flourishes when people are free to pursue their God-given talents and abilities.
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