President Douglas Pierce Receives Honorary Doctorate
NBC President Rev. Doug Pierce was granted an honorary Doctor of Divinity by Point Loma Nazarene University on December 20, 2025.
The awarding of this honorary doctorate recognizes Dr. Pierce's more than 45 years of service to the Church of the Nazarene, including 15 years of leadership and dedication to Point Loma Nazarene University.
Nazarene Bible College Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Phillip Fuller describes Dr. Pierce as a man who "has steady poise and leads with vision," traits which he continues to use in service to the Kingdom of God.
The honorary degree was conferred at Point Loma's winter commencement for 2025.
From Point Loma Nazarene University's Commencement Program:
Rev. Douglas Pierce
Doctor of Divinity, houris causa (D.Div.)
Doug Pierce has served the Church of the Nazarene and Christian higher education with distinction for more than 45 years. His deep connection to Point Loma Nazarene University is reflected in 15 years as a trustee and his three terms as Chair of the Board of Trustees, where his steady leadership, pastoral wisdom, and commitment to mission have guided the university through seasons of growth, transition, and renewed clarity of purpose.
Across his ministry, Doug has held significant pastoral and administrative roles, including lead pastor at New Hope Community Church, senior pastor at Tempe Church of the Nazarene, executive pastor at Western Oaks, and administrator for both Tempe Church and Tempe Christian School. He has also provided extended interim pastoral support to congregations in transition and spent 18 years in district leadership, including 12 years as superintendent of the Arizona District.
Doug co-founded the Southwest Leadership Center in 1988, which continues to support ministry families, encourage pastors’ children, empower multicultural ministries, and care for widows of ministers. His denominational service includes the district advisory board, credentials board, Pensions and Benefits USA, Native American Christian Academy, Camp Pinerock, and Arizona Nazarene Lands, Inc.
In 2025, Doug was elected the eighth president of Nazarene Bible College, a fitting next chapter in a life devoted to preparing leaders for ministry. Doug and his wife, Becky, have partnered in life and ministry for 51 years and delight in their children, Curtis (married to Jessica) and Nikki, and their grandchildren, Ruby and Phoenix.
Published: 02/19/2026
Archived News