Biography

Dr. Kermit S. Bridges was selected in December, 1999 by the Board of Regents of Southwestern Assemblies of God University (SAGU) to serve as president following the retirement of Dr. Delmer R. Guynes.  Bridges served as Vice President for University Advancement (VPUA) from 1994 to 1999, during which time he directed what was then SAGU’s most effective capital campaign, resulting in the construction of phase one of the Sheaffer Center (SFLC) and the acquisition of the university’s former North Campus.  As VPUA he also provided oversight to a student recruitment strategy, which produced seven consecutive record enrollments.  During his tenure as president, the university has continued to grow numerically and expand academic offerings.  Additionally, there has been a significant expansion of new facilities with half of the university’s under roof square feet constructed since 2000, including phase two of the SFLC, Teeter and Bridges Residential Halls, and the Garrison Wellness Center.  President Bridges spent most of his childhood and adolescence in Waxahachie and upon graduation from Waxahachie High School, enrolled at SAGU where he graduated in 1982.  He later attended and received graduate degrees from Assemblies of God Theological Seminary in Springfield, Missouri, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, Calif., where he was awarded a Doctor of Ministry degree. Bridges’ doctoral program focused on church leadership and management.  His passion is to see Southwestern become a training center for the development of Christ-like leaders who will influence the world through their unique callings and careers.  Dr. Bridges is an ordained minister with the Assemblies of God and prior to his tenure at SAGU, served as the senior pastor of First Assembly of God in Grand Prairie, TX and as an associate pastor at Oak Cliff Assembly of God in Dallas, Park Crest Assembly of God in Springfield, MO, and First Assembly of God in Garland, TX. While serving on the staff at Oak Cliff Assembly of God in Dallas, Kermit met his wife Jan Quistad, native of Minneapolis, MN. A music educator, Mrs. Bridges has taught in both public and Christian schools, filled education administration roles, and currently serves as an adjunct faculty member at SAGU. Kermit and Jan are extremely proud of their two sons, James and Forrest, who both pursued their undergraduate studies at SAGU. James and his wife Brinkley reside in Tulsa, OK; Forrest his wife KeeLee make their home in Waxahachie.