OUR TEAM

STAFF

Dr. Tim Johnson

Executive Director

Biography

Tim is a graduate of West Point and is a veteran. Before pursuing his theological education, Tim worked in local, state, and national government. He received his Master’s in Theological Studies from Bethel Seminary (St. Paul, MN) and his Ph.D. in Scripture from Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI), specializing on Job. He taught Old Testament and Hebrew at Nashotah House Theological Seminary (Nashotah, WI), has published academic papers in this field, and is a member of the Evangelical Theological Society. After serving in a number of pastoral roles, including as Executive Pastor, in 2010 he accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor of Rock Valley Church (Beloit WI; Fellowship of Evangelical Bible Churches). After 15 years in this role, he feels called back to the academy, to serve as Executive Director of the Bradley Study Center.

Tim’s vision for the study center builds on our mission to foster a thoughtful Christian witness on campus and our vision to engage the university with the intellectual and spiritual riches of the Christian faith!

Connie Bayliss

Director of Operations & Assistant Director of Programs

Biography

Connie manages day-to-day operations at the Bradley Study Center. A former teacher and an ardent reader, she also leads short courses centered on integrating faith into a study of the humanities. Connie grew up in the Roanoke area and attended Washington and Lee University, earned a BA in English and Medieval & Renaissance Studies. She went on to complete an MA in English Literature through Middlebury College while teaching a Medieval Humanities in a classical Christian high school in Savannah, GA. Happy to be back in the mountains, she loves walks and hikes with her dog Penny (an occasional guest of the BSC), reading, and baking.

Abby Kimzey

Hospitality and Communications Coordinator

Biography

As a lover of people and creativity, Abby is enthusiastic about connecting people and ideas in tangible ways.

Abby graduated in May with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Global Studies, Communications, and Worship Music from Liberty University.

She is a Blacksburg local who loves spending time with family and friends, swing dancing, singing, being in the kitchen, and acting. She is passionate about building relationships with people and looks forward to pouring into relationships and hospitality at the Bradley Study Center.

BOARD

Jonathan Boreyko

Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech (Board Chair)

BIOGRAPHY

Paul Carlier

Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Illinois - Chicago (Board Secretary)

Biography

Ralph Amateis

Retired Faculty, Virginia Tech (Board Treasurer)

Biography

Lynnette Conder

Retired Virginia Tech Alum

Biography

Lynnette is a Blacksburg native. After spending 30 years in New Jersey, she and her husband, Steve, retired to the Burg. Their two children are third generation Hokies, so Blacksburg and Virginia Tech have deep roots in their family! Lynnette grew up attending homecoming parades and football games as well as feeding the ducks at the duck pond. She still loves the VT campus atmosphere and chatting with young Hokies.

"I am pleased to serve on the Board of the Bradley Study Center and support its ministry to the students and faculty of Virginia Tech as the BSC seeks to help them grow in their knowledge of their Savior, build strong relationships, and share the life-changing joy of the gospel with those around them. (1 Peter 3:15)"

Cliff Ragsdale

Professor Emeritus of Business Information Technology, Virginia Tech

Biography

Cliff Ragsdale retired from the Department of Business Information Technology at Virginia Tech after serving as a faculty member for 34 years. From 2015 to 2024, he also served as academic director of the Center for Business Analytics where he helped design, launch, and run Virginia Tech's master's program in business analytics. He received his Ph.D. in Management Science and Information Technology from the University of Georgia and also holds an M.B.A. in Finance and B.A. in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Cliff and his wife Kathy are members of Blacksburg Christian Fellowship. He enjoys Bible study, music, running, boating, and occasional SCUBA diving trips.

Student and Young Alumni Representatives

Grace Kistler

Virginia Tech Undergraduate, Class of 2028

BIOGRAPHY

Grace Kistler is an undergraduate student at Virginia Tech who is majoring in Music Performance. She has been highly involved at the BSC since her freshman fall semester, attending Fellows, study hours, short courses, and hospitality events. She is excited to be investing further in the BSC through providing a student perspective to the Board of Directors!

"As an active student at the study center, I am honored to now know the board members who silently administrate the Christian conversation and learning at Bradley. The BSC aims to foster an environment of truth and goodness within its walls, whether that's over homework and a cup of coffee, a friendly chat with a staff member, or studying with a friend. Some of my favorite memories have been talking about living the Christian life with compassionate mentors and friends. God is at work in the study center, and I am honored to join in the prayer and planning for all the students who walk through its door. As the student rep, I am looking forward to fostering that compassionate, Christ-centered environment that first drew me into life at Bradley when I was a freshman."

Landon Cox

Virginia Tech Alum, 2025

Biography

Landon Cox is a 2026 VT Pamplin Alumni with a concentration in marketing, corporate management, and leadership. He has been attending Fellows since the Fall of 2025, as well as short courses, events, and community study hours. Landon is a Roanoke native who is currently pursuing a career in marketing and community engagement, where he can use his creativity and love for building connections to elevate businesses and communities. In his downtime, he likes anything creative and active, including but not limited to: writing, art, cooking/baking, music, model building, gardening, running, paddle boarding, etc.

"I appreciate and support the work that the BSC is doing in the community, and especially in the lives of so many young Christians on Virginia Tech’s campus. As someone to whom the BSC has so positively impacted my life and community, I want to foster and share that same community with others. Being on the board gives me the opportunity to pour into such a wonderful ministry that has poured into me. As Alumni Representative, it is my goal to ensure that when our students step into the next chapters of their lives, and follow the path that the Lord has set for them, that they remain plugged in to a ministry that supports their every step. All in all, I am excited to see where the Lord leads us in our ministry. I believe he is working in every aspect of the Bradley Center, and I cannot wait to see what is in store next."