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Josiah Robins Bonner Jr. (born November 19, 1959) is an American academic administrator and former politician who currently serves as the fourth president of the University of South Alabama. He was previously the U.S. representative for Alabama's 1st congressional district from 2003 to 2013. He is a member of the Republican Party. He resigned from Congress on August 2, 2013, to take a job with the University of Alabama.[1] He served as Chief of Staff to Alabama governor Kay Ivey from 2019 to 2021, before becoming the president of the University of South Alabama. He was officially inaugurated in December 2021.[2]

Key Information

Early life, education, and early political career

[edit]

Bonner was born in Selma, Alabama, but was reared in Camden, Alabama,[3] to Josiah Robins Bonner and the now deceased Imogene Virginia Lyons.[4] He graduated in 1982 with a degree in journalism from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.[5]

Two years later he started working as campaign press secretary for U.S. Congressman Sonny Callahan, a Republican representing Alabama's 1st congressional district. In 1989, Bonner was promoted to Callahan's chief of staff and moved to Mobile.[5]

Bonner has served as a member of the board of directors for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Leadership Mobile, and the Mobile Chapter of the University of Alabama Alumni Association. In 2000, the College of Communications at the University of Alabama honored him as their Outstanding Alumnus in Public Relations. He was a member of Leadership Mobile, Class of 2000, where his classmates elected him co-president.[6]

U.S. House of Representatives

[edit]

Elections

[edit]
2002

Callahan did not run for reelection in 2002, and Bonner entered the race to succeed him. He ranked first in the crowded seven-way Republican primary with 40% of the vote, but failed to reach the 50% threshold needed to win outright.[7] In the run-off election Bonner defeated Tom Young, chief of staff to U.S. Senator Richard Shelby 62%–38%.[8] In the general election, he defeated Democrat Judy Belk with 61% of the vote.[9] However, he had effectively clinched a seat in Congress with his primary victory. The 1st is one of the most Republican districts in Alabama and the South, and has been in Republican hands without interruption since 1965. Bonner was also endorsed by his predecessors, Callahan and Jack Edwards.

2004–2010

During this time period, Bonner won his re-elections with more than 63% of the vote each time. He even ran unopposed in 2008 and 2010.[10]

2012
See also: 2012 United States House of Representatives elections in Alabama § District 1

After redistricting, Bonner decided to run for a sixth term. In the Republican primary, he drew three opponents.[11] For the third election in a row, no other party even put up a candidate, meaning that whoever won the primary would be all but assured of election.

An anti-incumbent super PAC called the Campaign for Primary Accountability spent $21,000 to try to unseat Bonner. Bonner told The New York Times that "obviously, when the Supreme Court made their decision to open up corporate war chests, this is the result." Bonner said he believed he would survive the primary challenge because his campaign expenditures far exceed the money being spent against him. "If I hadn't had $1 million in my account, I could be underwater right now," said Bonner.[12] According to Federal Election Commission records, Bonner spent $650,000 on his re-election campaign. His three opponents spent a combined total of under $275,000. No Democratic candidates have filed to run against Bonner in the general election.[13]

Bonner won the Republican primary with 56% of the vote. He won all of the counties in the district.[14]

Tenure

[edit]

Bonner was somewhat conservative by national standards, but moderate by Alabama Republican standards. Perhaps his most notable dissension was his opposition to on-shore liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals for Mobile, but went on to propose an off-shore option for the future. He pushed for Callahan's seat on the House Appropriations Committee but did not carry the support of his colleagues. Bonner hosted the Gulf Coast Congressional Report from 2003 to 2006, when the program was halted in response to an equal-time complaint by Vivian Beckerle, Bonner's opponent in the 2006 election.[15][16]

Prior to being sworn into the 108th Congress, Majority Whip Roy Blunt, a Missouri Republican, named Bonner an Assistant Whip. The appointment made Bonner one of a number of freshmen who were part of weekly leadership meetings with Blunt, the second-ranking member in the Republican Leadership behind only the Majority Leader. On December 14, 2005, Bonner voted for the reauthorization of the USA PATRIOT Act. On June 29, 2005, he voted for a $25 million increase in funding for anti-marijuana print and television ads. On October 6, 2005, he voted for the Department of Homeland Security. On July 13, 2006, he was one of thirty-three votes against renewal of the Voting Rights Act.[5]

In December 2011, Bonner voted in support of H.R. 10, the "Regulations From the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act," which would have required Congressional approval for any "major regulations" issued by the executive branch but, unlike the 1996 Congressional Review Act, would not require the president's signature or override of a probable presidential veto.[17][18]

Bonner is a signer of Americans for Tax Reform's Taxpayer Protection Pledge.[19]

According to the website Open Congress, Bonner votes with the Republican Party 93.5% of the time. This ranked 88th among the 242 House Republicans in 2011.[20]

Heritage Action, a conservative policy advocacy organization, reports that 55% of Bonner's votes align with Heritage's preferred policy stances.[21]

Bonner has received a 0% on the legislative scorecards for NARAL Pro-Choice America, the Human Rights Campaign, and the American Civil Liberties Union.[22] The American Conservative Union gave him an 86% evaluation in 2013.

In 2008, following Bonner's appointment to the Appropriations Committee, free-market advocacy group FreedomWorks called on Bonner to accept a personal one-year moratorium on accepting earmarks. A FreedomWorks statement said that "Representative Bonner has a long history of securing earmarks for his district, and voting in favor of egregious pork projects on the House floor."[23]

Bonner has declined to join the Tea Party Caucus, saying, "I try not to get involved in caucuses that make me look like a radical, right-wing nut. I don't think that's what the Tea Party is, but I want to avoid the appearance."[24]

In 2007, Bonner voted to increase the federal minimum wage.[25] In 2008, he voted in favor of TARP, the financial bail out package.[26] Bonner voted against Republican-supported regulations on the credit-card industry and the Cash for Clunkers program.[27] Bonner supported the Iraq war and opposed a timetable for withdrawal of American troops.[26] He supports warrantless wiretapping. Bonner supports amending the U.S. Constitution to ban same-sex marriage and he voted against repealing "Don't Ask Don't Tell."[28] In the summer of 2011, Bonner voted to raise America's debt ceiling.[29]

In March 2013, Mother Jones reported that in August 2012 Bonner and his wife took a $16,214.66 trip to a private 66,000-acre ranch in Kenya, paid for entirely by the International Conservation Caucus Foundation. The ranch is owned by members of the Wildenstein family and was the filming location of the 1985 film Out of Africa.[30] Bonner said that the trip was for the purposes of researching a link between illegal wildlife poaching and Al-Qaeda.[31]

Committee assignments

[edit]

Caucus memberships

[edit]

Bonner was a member of the Republican Study Committee until October 2011, when he dropped out of the group.[32]

Chief of Staff to the Governor of Alabama

[edit]

After Steve Pelham, the then-chief of staff to Alabama governor Kay Ivey, took a job with Auburn University, Bonner was announced as Pelham's replacement in January 2019. In a press release, Ivey said of Bonner, "Steve has been a close friend and a trusted confidant for a number of years and has provided our office with outstanding leadership."[33] Bonner officially took office as chief of staff following Ivey's inauguration for a full term as governor.[34] Bonner left the position in 2021 to become president of the University of South Alabama, and was succeeded by Liz Filmore.[35]

Academic career

[edit]

Bonner resigned from the U.S. Congress in 2013 to become the vice chancellor of government relations and economic development for the University of Alabama.[33]

In November 2021, Bonner, while serving as chief of staff to Governor Kay Ivey, was announced as the next president of the University of South Alabama, following the retirement of Tony Waldrop.[36] Bonner faced skepticism from some faculty and alumni[37] over his political background; in response, Bonner stated, "all I can ask of those who still have doubts and concerns is to meet me halfway and give us a chance to show what we can do by working together."[38] Bonner was officially inaugurated as the university's fourth president on December 2, 2021.[2] Bonner has a base salary of $525,000, over three times his congressional salary at the time of his resignation.[39]

Personal life

[edit]

Bonner is married to Janée Lambert of Mobile. They are parents of a daughter, Jennifer Lee, and a son, Josiah Robins, III. The Bonners make their home in Mobile and are members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church.[6] His sister Judy served as the President of the University of Alabama from 2012 to 2015.[40]

Bonner is a member of the Reformers Caucus of Issue One.[41]

Electoral history

[edit]
Alabama's 1st congressional district Republican primary election, 2002
Party Candidate Votes %
[42][43]
Republican Jo Bonner 29,587 40.3
Republican Tom Young 15,087 20.3
Republican David Whetstone 10,997 14.8
Republican Albert Lipscomb 7,429 10.0
Republican Chris Pringle 6,001 8.1
Republican Rusty Glover 4,374 5.9
Republican Joe J. Gottler 411 0.6
Total votes 74,156 100.0
Alabama's 1st congressional district Republican primary runoff election, 2002
Party Candidate Votes %
[44]
Republican Jo Bonner 32,421 62.4
Republican Tom Young 19,501 37.6
Total votes 51,922 100.0
[45]
Alabama's 1st congressional district election, 2002
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jo Bonner 108,102 60.1
Democratic Judy Belk 67,507 37.5
Libertarian Dick Coffee 2,957 1.6
Write-ins 1,350 0.8
Total votes 179,916 100.0
Republican hold
[46]
Alabama's 1st congressional district election, 2004
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jo Bonner (incumbent) 161,067 63.1
Democratic Judy Belk 93,938 36.8
Write-ins 159 0.1
Total votes 255,164 100.0
Republican hold
[47]
Alabama's 1st congressional district election, 2006
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jo Bonner (incumbent) 112,944 68.1
Democratic Vivian Beckerle 52,770 31.82
Write-ins 127 0.08
Total votes 165,841 100.00
Republican hold
Alabama's 1st congressional district election, 2008[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jo Bonner (incumbent) 210,660 98.27%
Write-ins 3,707 1.73%
Total votes 214,367 100.00%
Republican hold
[49][50]
Alabama's 1st congressional district Republican primary election, 2010
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jo Bonner (incumbent) 56,937 75.3
Republican Peter Gounares 18,725 24.8
Total votes 75,662 100.0
Alabama's 1st congressional district election, 2010[51]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jo Bonner (incumbent) 128,802 83.1%
Constitution David M. Walter 26,294 16.9%
Total votes 155,096 100.0%
Republican hold
[52]
Alabama's 1st congressional district Republican primary election, 2012
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jo Bonner (incumbent) 48,481 55.5
Republican Dean Young 21,216 24.3
Republican Pete Riehm 13,744 15.8
Republican Peter Gounares 3,828 4.4
Total votes 87,269 100.0
Alabama's 1st congressional district, 2012[53]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Jo Bonner (incumbent) 196,374 97.9
Write-ins 4,302 2.1
Total votes 200,676 100.0
Republican hold

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jo Bonner

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from Grokipedia
Josiah Robins Bonner Jr. (born November 19, 1959), commonly known as Jo Bonner, is an American academic administrator and former politician who represented Alabama's 1st congressional district as a Republican in the United States House of Representatives from 2003 to 2013. Born in Selma, Alabama, Bonner earned a B.A. from the University of Alabama in 1982 before entering public service, including roles as press secretary to U.S. Senator Jeremiah Denton and chief of staff to Congressman Sonny Callahan. He succeeded Callahan in Congress following the latter's retirement, serving on the House Appropriations Committee and chairing the House Ethics Committee during the 112th Congress. Bonner resigned from Congress in 2013 to become vice chancellor for government and economic development in the University of Alabama System, a position he held until 2018, after which he served as chief of staff to Alabama Governor Kay Ivey until 2021. In November 2021, he was selected as the fourth president of the University of South Alabama, where he has focused on promoting discovery, health, and learning. During his congressional tenure, Bonner played a key role in securing major economic developments for his district, including a $2.8 billion U.S. Navy contract for Austal USA to build Littoral Combat Ships and Airbus's establishment of its first U.S. final assembly line in Mobile, Alabama. He has been inducted into the Alabama Academy of Honor and received the U.S. Navy's Distinguished Public Service Award.

Early Life, Education, and Early Career

Upbringing and Family Influences

Josiah Robins Bonner Jr., known as Jo Bonner, was born on November 19, 1959, in Selma, . His father, Josiah Robins Bonner Sr., served as probate judge of Wilcox County during the 1960s and 1970s, a position involving local governance, estate administration, and community . His mother, Imogene Virginia Lyons Bonner, had worked as a nurse during , contributing to the family's emphasis on service-oriented professions. Bonner was raised in Pine Apple, a small community in Wilcox County, amid the rural Black Belt region of Alabama, where agricultural and local judicial influences predominated family life. As the youngest of three siblings—preceded by brother Jim and sister Judy, who later became Dr. Judy Bonner, a college professor and the first woman to serve as president of a university—Bonner grew up in a household shaped by public service and educational attainment. Approximately 15 years younger than Jim, whose contemporaries included future Alabama Governor Kay Ivey, Bonner's early environment reflected a legacy of civic engagement rooted in his father's judicial tenure. The Bonners' family dynamics, marked by the father's role in county administration and the siblings' pursuits in , , and , provided foundational exposure to and responsibilities that aligned with Bonner's subsequent political path.

Academic Achievements and Initial Professional Roles

Bonner earned a degree in journalism from the in Tuscaloosa in 1982. He also attended the University of Alabama School of Law but did not complete a degree. In recognition of his career contributions, the University of Alabama's College of Communication and Information Sciences named him an Outstanding Alumnus in in 2000. During his undergraduate studies, Bonner gained early exposure to federal politics through an internship on with Alabama Congressman Jack Edwards. Following graduation, he entered political fieldwork in 1982 as a field representative for the gubernatorial campaign of Alabama George McMillan, who advanced to but lost the Democratic runoff to Governor Bob James. From 1985 to 1995, Bonner served in , as a staff assistant and for Alabama Congressman Sonny Callahan, representing the state's First Congressional District. In 1995, he relocated to , to assume the role of district director for Callahan, managing constituent services and regional operations until Callahan's retirement announcement in 2002. These positions established Bonner's expertise in congressional operations and Alabama's coastal district issues, including and affairs.

Congressional Service (2003–2013)

Path to Election and Campaign Successes

Bonner, who had served nearly 18 years as to U.S. Representative Sonny Callahan, announced his candidacy for seat after Callahan's retirement announcement on March 4, 2002. The open seat attracted multiple Republican contenders in a long held by the party, but Bonner's familiarity with local issues and incumbency ties positioned him as a frontrunner. In the Republican primary on , , Bonner advanced to a runoff against Tom Young, defeating him decisively in the July 30 runoff to secure the nomination. He then won the general on November 5, , against Democratic nominee Judy , benefiting from the district's strong Republican voter base encompassing Mobile and Baldwin counties. Bonner's subsequent re-election campaigns through demonstrated consistent success in a safely Republican district, with general election opponents raising far less and capturing minimal vote shares. He faced no serious general election contest after and repelled primary challenges, including a bid from a conservative activist, underscoring his effective organization and alignment with constituent priorities like and defense-related . This electoral dominance reflected the 1st district's partisan tilt, where registered Republicans outnumbered Democrats and independent voters leaned conservative.

Legislative Priorities and Fiscal Conservatism

During his tenure in Congress from 2003 to 2013, Jo Bonner prioritized federal spending restraint, national defense funding, and economic measures benefiting Alabama's Gulf Coast district, including military installations and coastal infrastructure. As a Republican representing Alabama's 1st congressional district, he emphasized reducing non-essential government expenditures while securing appropriations for defense and homeland security, sectors critical to his constituents' employment at facilities like Mobile's Brookley Aeroplex and nearby naval assets. Bonner's approach reflected a commitment to balancing district-specific earmarks—such as funding for port enhancements and university research—with broader calls for deficit reduction, often criticizing unchecked federal growth as unsustainable. Bonner's fiscal conservatism manifested in key votes opposing expansions of federal debt without corresponding cuts. On May 30, 2011, he voted against raising the debt ceiling absent firm spending reduction commitments, stating it lacked sufficient offsets to address long-term fiscal imbalances. He supported H.R. 1173, the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011, which aimed to curb federal liabilities through reforms to entitlements and discretionary outlays. Additionally, Bonner backed measures like prioritizing essential spending during potential debt limit breaches and terminating programs such as the Home Affordable Modification Program, viewed as inefficient bailouts. These positions aligned with House Republican efforts in the 112th Congress to enforce pay-as-you-go rules selectively and reject omnibus bills laden with extraneous provisions, as evidenced by Appropriations Committee Republicans' April 2011 demand for "clean" continuing resolutions. Appointed to the House Appropriations Committee in February 2008, Bonner influenced subcommittee allocations for Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, as well as Defense, advocating for efficiencies amid rising deficits. He endorsed the FY 2006 , prioritizing military readiness and procurement for Alabama's defense sector, while pushing amendments for entitlement savings, such as a rejected proposal in 2007 to offset new spending with $77 billion in cuts. Bonner also championed tax relief extensions, submitting remarks in September 2010 supporting the Bush-era cuts to stimulate economic growth without increasing revenue dependence on higher rates. His record earned praise from conservative outlets for upholding fiscal discipline, including endorsements of Paul Ryan's budget frameworks as pathways to solvency.

Committee Work and Appropriations Influence

Bonner was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee in February 2008, becoming the third member of the Alabama delegation to serve on the panel, which enhanced the state's influence over federal spending allocations. During his tenure through 2013, he contributed to the committee's oversight of discretionary spending bills, focusing on fiscal restraint amid Republican efforts to curb deficits while advocating for targeted investments in national security and regional infrastructure. He held positions on three subcommittees: , , , and Related Agencies, where he served as vice chair; Defense; and Financial Services and General Government. In these roles, Bonner influenced funding for defense procurement, scientific research, and system operations, often aligning with conservative priorities such as bolstering military readiness without unconditional debt ceiling increases. His vice chairmanship on the , , subcommittee positioned him to shape appropriations for agencies like , the , and the , emphasizing efficiency and opposition to excessive non-defense spending. Bonner's influence extended to securing earmarks for Alabama projects, sponsoring or co-sponsoring 29 such requests totaling $21.6 million in fiscal year 2010 alone, including funds for coastal monitoring equipment and autism research initiatives. Over his Appropriations service, these efforts amounted to $121.8 million in requested earmarks for district and statewide priorities, reflecting his commitment to constituent services despite supporting a temporary moratorium on earmarks pending process reforms. As a collaborative member of the Alabama delegation, he helped direct federal resources toward economic development and defense-related needs in the Gulf Coast region, earning recognition for bipartisan effectiveness in a polarized environment.

Core Political Positions

Bonner consistently advocated for , emphasizing reduced government spending and lower es. He supported making the 2001 permanent and voted to retain reduced rates on December 15, 2005. In the 2010 Political Test, he opposed increases on individuals earning less than $100,000 annually and favored lower es for small businesses and families. Bonner backed efforts to cut non-defense to 2008 levels, projecting $1.5 trillion in savings over a decade, and voted against additional economic stimulus packages, such as on January 28, 2009. On social issues, Bonner held pro-life positions, voting to ban federal health coverage including on May 4, 2011, and to prohibit partial-birth abortions on October 2, 2003. He opposed expanding federal funding for research, voting no on May 24, 2005, and supported legal abortions only in cases of , , or threat to the mother's life. Bonner championed Second Amendment rights, receiving an "A" rating from the based on his voting record. He voted to prohibit lawsuits against gun manufacturers and sellers on October 20, 2005, and opposed bans on assault weapons or requirements for gun manufacturers to provide child-safety locks. In immigration policy, he favored stricter border enforcement, voting for a 700-mile border fence on September 14, 2006, and supported limiting government services to English-only. Regarding foreign policy, Bonner took hawkish stances, voting against troop withdrawal from Afghanistan on March 17, 2011, and supporting sanctions on Iran. He prioritized national security spending over domestic cuts in budget votes. On environmental regulation, Bonner opposed expansive federal oversight, voting to bar the Environmental Protection Agency from regulating greenhouse gases on April 7, 2011, and earning a 5% lifetime rating from the League of Conservation Voters for his record against environmental legislation.

Criticisms, Ethical Scrutiny, and Resignation

During his tenure in , Bonner faced criticism from fiscal conservatives and primary challengers for supporting earmarks, which opponents characterized as pork-barrel spending benefiting his district at the expense of broader fiscal restraint. In the 2010 Republican primary for Alabama's 1st district, challenger Brad Gounares made opposition to earmarks a central campaign issue, accusing incumbents like Bonner of using them to seek voter forgiveness for larger spending increases. As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, Bonner secured district-specific funding, such as $1 million in 2010 for antennas related to unmanned aerial vehicles, which critics portrayed as emblematic of congressional "bacon" delivery rather than essential priorities. Bonner encountered limited ethical scrutiny primarily related to his role on the House Committee on Ethics, where he served from 2006, acted as ranking Republican member, and chaired the panel in the 112th Congress starting January 2011. He participated in investigations into high-profile cases, including the 2010 censure of Rep. Charles Rangel (D-N.Y.) for 11 ethics violations involving undisclosed income and improper fundraising, and probes into earmark practices amid the PMA Group scandal, where lobbyists bundled contributions from earmark recipients. In September 2011, Alabama businessman Dean Young, a potential congressional candidate, publicly questioned Bonner's impartiality in handling an ethics matter involving Rep. Parker Griffith's financial disclosures, urging Bonner to recuse himself from any oversight of Young's campaign and expressing a lack of confidence in Bonner's integrity on the issue. No formal ethics complaints or violations were substantiated against Bonner personally during his service. Bonner announced his resignation from Congress on May 23, 2013, effective August 15, 2013, to assume the newly created position of Vice Chancellor for Government Relations, Development, and Economic Outreach at the University of Alabama System, citing a desire to return to Alabama and contribute to higher education and economic development in his home state. The decision surprised constituents and political observers, prompting immediate speculation about the special election to replace him, but elicited no widespread allegations of impropriety or pressure driving the departure. Prior to leaving, Bonner had informed Republican leaders in November 2012 of his reluctance to continue chairing the Ethics Committee, reflecting fatigue with its demands amid partisan tensions.

Post-Congressional Roles in Alabama Governance and Education

Chief of Staff to Governor (2018–2021)

In December 2018, following his tenure in roles, Jo Bonner joined Governor 's administration as senior advisor, effective December 16. On January 15, 2019, shortly after Ivey's for her full term, Bonner was elevated to , succeeding Steve Pelham and assuming oversight of the governor's office operations, policy coordination, and senior advisory functions. As , Bonner managed a team that included deputy chief of staff Liz Filmore and handled high-level administrative duties, including accompanying Ivey on state aircraft for official travel such as trips and public engagements. His role positioned him centrally during Alabama's response to the , where the administration focused on phased reopenings, vaccination distribution, and federal aid allocation, though specific attributions to Bonner remain tied to Ivey's directives rather than independent initiatives. Bonner emphasized that his acceptance of the position stemmed from a desire to support Ivey's agenda without ulterior political motives, explicitly denying any intent to position himself for future elected office. He served until December 1, 2021, resigning to become president of the , after which Filmore succeeded him.

Economic Development and University Administration (2013–2018)

Following his resignation from the U.S. on August 2, 2013, Bonner assumed the position of vice chancellor for government relations and economic development at the , a role created specifically for him by Robert Witt. The annual salary for this position was set at $350,000, more than double his congressional compensation of $174,000. In this capacity, Bonner focused on fostering partnerships between the university system's three campuses—, , and —and state economic initiatives, drawing on his prior legislative experience to advocate for policies supporting industry-university collaboration. By September 2015, the restructured the vice chancellor position, separating government relations from ; Bonner retained the latter title, concentrating on efforts to align university research, workforce training, and innovation with Alabama's economic priorities. This adjustment allowed him to prioritize initiatives such as enhancing the system's role in attracting high-tech industries and supporting regional development projects through academic resources. During his final year in the role, extending into 2018, Bonner additionally served as interim of the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority, aiding local efforts to promote industrial growth and infrastructure in west Alabama. He departed the in 2018 to join Governor Kay Ivey's administration as .

Leadership at the University of South Alabama

Appointment and Early Presidency (2021–Present)

Jo Bonner was selected as the fourth president of the by the institution's Board of Trustees on November 10, 2021, while serving as to Alabama Governor . The board cited his extensive experience in , , and governance, including prior roles as a U.S. Congressman and vice chancellor for in the , as qualifications to lead the university toward greater academic and community impact. Bonner assumed office in early January 2022, ahead of the spring semester, and was formally inaugurated on September 23, 2022, at the USA Mitchell Center. In his inaugural address and early communications, Bonner outlined a vision to position the as the "Flagship of the Gulf Coast," emphasizing enrollment growth, research expansion, and strengthened community ties. Key early initiatives included the launch of a Strategic Enrollment and Retention Plan, alongside programs such as Start South for incoming students, Pathway USA for transfer pathways, and a second-year experience program to boost retention. These efforts contributed to consecutive years of enrollment increases: total enrollment rose by over 300 students to 13,768 in fall 2023, by 235 to 14,003 in fall 2024, and reached 14,285 in fall 2025, marking the third straight year of growth and the largest freshman class in university history with a 30% surge in first-year students over three years. Bonner prioritized institutional investments, including a 3% faculty and staff salary increase supplemented by a 2% one-time bonus in his first year, alongside plans for long-term compensation improvements. Research advancements featured the establishment of the School of Marine and Environmental Sciences, enrolling nearly 40 students in new undergraduate programs, while the Whiddon College of Medicine aimed to expand admissions to 100 students annually by 2026 with a dedicated new building. Community engagement initiatives included the creation of a Multicultural Leadership Center to foster civic involvement and alumni relations. By 2025, Bonner promoted "The USA Way" as a cultural framework centered on servant leadership, integrating discovery, health, and learning to drive institutional progress. These steps aligned with broader goals of enhancing scholarships, graduate programs, and regional economic ties, leveraging Bonner's political network in Montgomery and Washington, D.C.

Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Impact

Under Bonner's leadership, the achieved three consecutive years of enrollment growth, reaching 14,003 students in fall 2024, a 1.71% increase from the prior year and the first time exceeding 14,000 in four years. enrollment surged 30% over the three years since his appointment, culminating in the largest incoming class in university for fall 2025, driven by targeted recruitment, retention strategies, and expanded academic offerings including a new Ph.D. in Environment and Society and an online MBA program. First-year enrollment specifically rose 19% in 2023, contributing to the milestone of the university's 100,000th graduate in December 2024. Research emerged as a core strategic priority, with Bonner directing the reorganization of the Office of and to develop a comprehensive strategic plan aimed at elevating the institution toward R1 Carnegie classification status. expenditures reached $70 million in 2024, supporting the awarding of 47 research doctorates that academic year, while graduate enrollment in the College of Arts and Sciences increased 7% in fall 2024. These efforts aligned with broader institutional goals of fostering discovery, evidenced by student successes such as three Scholarships in 2025, surpassing all but one other university. Fundraising initiatives yielded record results, with $45.3 million in new gifts and commitments for 2024, marking the third consecutive year above $40 million and enabling expansions like the Jaguar Marching Band complex and a forthcoming open-air at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Notable contributions included a $20 million gift in May 2023 for a new and a $5 million in September 2024 toward the Whiddon College of Medicine building, set for completion in December 2026. USA Health expanded under Bonner's oversight to over 40 care delivery sites, incorporating mobile medical vans for rural access and programs in hospitals to address patient and family needs, while the as a whole logged 45,029 hours in 2024-2025. Athletic impacts included a conference title and a second straight football bowl victory, alongside USA Health's ranking as the No. 160 top employer for new graduates in ' 2025 list. These developments positioned as a regional , emphasizing practical economic and contributions amid compliance with state curtailing dedicated DEI offices in favor of service-oriented engagement.

Personal Life and Public Persona

Family, Faith, and Community Ties

Jo Bonner has been married to Janée Lambert Bonner since the early 1980s; she is a Mobile native and has served in supportive roles during his political and academic career, including as First Lady of the University of South Alabama. The couple has two children: a daughter, Jennifer Lee Bonner, and a son, Josiah Robins Bonner III (often called Robins). Bonner identifies as Episcopalian, a affiliation consistent with his public service record in Alabama's congressional delegations. His faith has informed aspects of his legislative work, such as advocacy for religious freedoms, though he has not emphasized it prominently in personal profiles. In the Mobile Bay area, Bonner maintains deep community ties through longstanding involvement in local civic groups and service organizations, reflecting his roots in Alabama's Gulf Coast region despite his birth in Selma. These connections have extended to educational and economic initiatives, underscoring his commitment to regional development beyond formal roles.

Hobbies and Philanthropic Efforts

Bonner pursues collecting political memorabilia as a , with a particular interest in items associated with , stemming from his tenure in a congressional office previously occupied by the former president. He also enjoys cooking Southern dishes, including and caramel cake, as a personal relaxation activity. Regarding philanthropic efforts, Bonner served on the board of the School of Math and Science, where he contributed to that secured $13 million for of a new science building. His involvement reflects a commitment to educational advancement in , consistent with his prior roles.

Electoral History

U.S. House of Representatives Contests

Bonner secured the Republican nomination for in the March 5, 2002, special election primary, defeating with 52.7% of the vote to Byrne's 47.3%. In the general special election runoff on March 26, 2002, Bonner defeated Democrat Vera Cade, capturing 71.5% of the vote to Cade's 28.5%, thereby filling the vacancy created by Sonny Callahan's retirement and assuming office on May 15, 2002. The district, encompassing Mobile and surrounding areas, has consistently favored Republican candidates due to its conservative voter base, resulting in non-competitive general elections for Bonner. He faced no primary challengers in several cycles and won reelection decisively in the general elections from 2004 through 2012, often exceeding 65% of the vote against Democratic opponents. In 2010, lacking a Democratic nominee, Bonner prevailed over an independent challenger.
YearOpponent(s)Bonner Votes (% of total)Opponent Votes (% of total)Total VotesSource
2004Judy Belk (D)161,067 (63.2%)93,938 (36.8%)254,975
2006Vivian Sheffield (D)112,944 (65.4%)59,722 (34.6%)172,666
2008Charles "Blake" Godbold (D)137,665 (65.3%)72,978 (34.6%)210,702
2010David Walter (I)129,063 (83.0%)26,357 (17.0%)155,420
2012Curtis Railey (D)143,948 (75.1%)47,681 (24.9%)191,629
Bonner announced his resignation effective August 15, 2013, to accept the position of vice chancellor for government and economic development at the , triggering a special election won by .

References

  1. https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/10387
  2. https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/presidentsoffice/biography.html
  3. https://ballotpedia.org/Jo_Bonner
  4. https://bioguide.congress.gov/search/bio/B001244
  5. https://www.alreporter.com/2022/11/16/opinion-jo-bonner-inaugurated-as-president-of-usa/
  6. https://www.geni.com/people/Josiah-Bonner-Sr/6000000036677349930
  7. https://www.greenvilleadvocate.com/news/bonner-resigning-from-congress-151409
  8. https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/publicrelations/pressreleases/011022bonner.html
  9. https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/51285/Josiah_Robins_Bonner_Jr_.html
  10. https://encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/josiah-jo-bonner-jr/
  11. https://www.usahealthsystem.com/leadership/jo-bonner
  12. https://www.foxnews.com/story/rep-callahan-to-retire
  13. https://www.alabamaacademyofhonor.org/jo-bonner
  14. https://www.alabamagermany.org/jo-bonner/
  15. https://www.al.com/wire/2013/09/in_an_alabama_race_for_congres.html
  16. https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2002election.pdf
  17. https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/jo-bonner/elections?cid=N00025330&cycle=2002
  18. https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/jo-bonner/elections?cid=N00025330&cycle=CAREER
  19. https://thehill.com/blogs/ballot-box/house-races/215917-rep-bonner-defeats-primary-challenge-in-alabama/
  20. https://www.al.com/live/2012/11/rep_jo_bonner_wins_re-election.html
  21. https://www.ontheissues.org/House/Jo_Bonner.htm
  22. https://www.congress.gov/member/jo-bonner/B001244
  23. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/27522/jo-bonner-jr
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  25. http://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-republicans-call-clean-cr
  26. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bonner-to-get-appropriations-seat/
  27. https://www.congress.gov/111/crec/2010/09/29/156/133/CREC-2010-09-29-pt2-PgE1872.pdf
  28. https://aderholt.house.gov/media-center/in-the-news/alcom-press-register-alabama-congressional-delegation-applauds-paul-ryan
  29. https://www.politico.com/blogs/politico-now/2008/02/bonner-to-get-appropriations-seat-006236
  30. https://www.apr.org/2008-02-15/rep-bonner-of-mobile-appointed-to-spending-committee
  31. https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/05/23/186323352/alabama-republican-jo-bonner-says-hes-leaving-congress
  32. https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-republicans-will-oppose-defense-bill-debt-limit-increase
  33. https://appropriations.house.gov/news/press-releases/appropriations-subcommittee-vice-chairs-named
  34. https://www.opensecrets.org/members-of-congress/earmarks?cid=N00025330&cycle=2010&name=jo-bonner
  35. https://www.al.com/live/2010/05/earmarking_appears_to_divide_g.html
  36. https://www.decaturish.com/archives/rep-jo-bonner-bacon-deliveryman/article_bb22ea93-6ddd-51ad-9d4d-058ac62be326.html
  37. https://www.politico.com/story/2010/12/bonner-takes-ethics-chair-046893
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  39. https://www.politico.com/story/2010/04/committee-mum-on-earmarks-probe-036386
  40. https://www.al.com/live/2011/09/dean_young_chides_rep_jo_bonne.html
  41. https://ethics.house.gov/press-releases/statement-chairman-and-ranking-member-committee-ethics-regarding-allegations-relating/
  42. https://www.al.com/wire/2013/05/rep_jo_bonner_resignation_stun.html
  43. https://www.al.com/live/2012/11/rep_jo_bonner_wants_out_of_hou.html
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  45. https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/politics/elections/2018/11/30/former-u-s-rep-jo-bonner-serve-advisor-gov-kay-ivey/2161449002/
  46. https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/news/2019/01/15/former-u-s-rep-jo-bonner-become-iveys-chief-staff/2580226002/
  47. https://governor.alabama.gov/assets/2019/09/Flight-Log-3rd-Quarter-2019.pdf
  48. https://governor.alabama.gov/assets/2021/12/Flight-Logs-4th-Quarter-2021.pdf
  49. https://yellowhammernews.com/jo-bonner-accepting-ivey-chief-of-staff-to-set-up-future-run-for-office-did-not-even-enter-into-my-mind/
  50. https://www.al.com/news/2021/11/alabama-gov-kay-ivey-names-liz-filmore-chief-of-staff-to-replace-jo-bonner.html
  51. https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2021/11/governor-ivey-taps-liz-filmore-to-be-new-chief-of-staff/
  52. https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2013/05/24/jo-bonner-resigns-to-accept-ua-job/29906644007/
  53. https://www.al.com/tuscaloosa/2013/06/bonner_to_receive_350000_in_un.html
  54. https://rollcall.com/2013/08/23/former-rep-jo-bonner-doubles-salary-outside-washington/
  55. https://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2015/09/14/ua-system-taps-bonner-for-eco-devo-post-hires.html
  56. https://www.al.com/press-releases/2015/09/university_of_alabama_system_n.html
  57. https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2015/09/15/university-of-alabama-system-to-hire-new-vice-chancellor/29964087007/
  58. https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/local/2018/07/25/congressman-leaving-university-alabama-system-tuscaloosa-county-industrial-development-authority/11253404007/
  59. https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/publicrelations/pressreleases/111021bonner.html
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  61. https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/presidentsoffice/inaugural-address.html
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  64. https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/publicrelations/pressreleases/090924enrollment.html
  65. https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/alumni/news/by-design-2025.html
  66. https://www.fox10tv.com/2025/09/10/south-alabama-reports-3rd-straight-year-enrollment-growth/
  67. https://www.wkrg.com/mobile-county/university-of-south-alabama-sees-largest-freshman-class-in-its-history/
  68. https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/presidentsoffice/resources/presannreport.pdf
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  70. https://businessalabama.com/maisel-makes-major-gift-to-support-usa-medical-school-construction/
  71. https://alabamareflector.com/2024/08/06/university-of-south-alabama-closes-dei-office-after-passage-of-anti-dei-law/
  72. https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/presidentsoffice/firstlady/
  73. https://www.pewresearch.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/7/2012/11/113-congress-relig-affil.pdf
  74. https://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/extra/2006/12/religion_in_the_house_by_state_and_by_faith.html
  75. https://www.asms.net/student-life/jo-bonner-leadership-academy
  76. https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2004/2004Stat.htm
  77. https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2006/2006Stat.htm
  78. https://clerk.house.gov/member_info/electionInfo/2008/2008Stat.htm
  79. https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/AL/21091/index.html
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