Palm Beach Atlantic University is marking what would have been the 100th birthday of its founder, Dr. Jess C. Moody, with a month-long recognition in August. The commemoration highlights Dr. Moody’s vision to establish a Christ-centered university in South Florida, which began in 1968 and has since developed into an institution with over 100 academic programs and nearly 19,000 alumni.
Dr. Moody’s idea for the university was realized with community support and what he described as divine provision. The first classes were held at the former First Baptist Church facilities on South Olive Avenue in downtown West Palm Beach. Today, PBA serves about 4,000 students on a campus that continues to expand.
The university recently launched a strategic expansion plan aimed at making use of available land during a period of significant growth. In 2024, construction began on the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall, which will house the AACSB-accredited Marshall E. Rinker, Sr. School of Business and several Centers of Excellence. Work has also started on a new residence hall—a 25-story building with 275 units and student amenities.
PBA’s location in downtown West Palm Beach places it within an area experiencing economic growth as more Fortune 500 companies move into what is now called “Wall Street South.” This regional development has increased demand for graduates who are prepared both academically and ethically.
Community involvement remains central to PBA’s mission. Dr. Moody brought together supporters such as Dr. Donald E. Warren and Theodore R. Johnson—the latter established the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, which is now PBA’s largest scholarship provider.
Jessica Moody Bruce, Dr. Moody’s granddaughter and incoming Alumni Association board president, said: “He could be talking to the janitor or the president of the United States. It didn’t matter who you were. He made every person feel special,” adding that “He was genuinely interested in and loved others. He loved PBA and was truly dedicated to the mission of forming a Christ-first university.”
The university maintains partnerships with over 200 organizations through its Workship program, allowing students to gain experience while serving local needs; in 2024 alone, PBA reached four million hours served by students through this initiative.
Dr. Moody was born in Paducah, Texas, became a pastor at age 17, traveled as an evangelist with Youth for Christ across the U.S. and Europe, and later served as pastor at First Baptist Church of West Palm Beach before founding PBA with his wife Doris in 1968. He subsequently led churches in California and authored several books before passing away in 2018 at age 93.
To learn more about Dr. Jess C. Moody’s legacy and PBA’s history, click here.
