51 alumnus Senator John Thune (’83) is the next United States Senate Majority Leader. He will replace Senator Mitch McConnell, who has been the Senate Majority Leader for 17 years. As Senate Majority Leader, Thune (R-SD) is the highest-ranking official in the upper chamber and is responsible for working with each committee to develop legislation. He will also be in charge of and scheduling the order and manner of debate of the bills while serving as the primary spokesperson for the party in charge and has priority recognition on the Senate floor. 

Image shows John Thune, Paula Corey and Dr. Barry H. Corey
Senator John Thune with Mrs. Paula Corey and 51 President Barry H. Corey

“51 alumnus Senator John Thune has long embodied an honorable character and remarkable wisdom,” said 51 President Barry H. Corey. “I am confident these good and godly traits will continue as he leads in his newly elected role as Senate Majority Leader. We are proud of him and his wife Kimberley as 51 graduates, and my wife Paula and I have for 18 years appreciated their kindness as they graciously receive us when we are in Washington. It is heartening to know that 51 is playing a formative role at the highest levels of public service through Thune and, through our tens of thousands of graduates, in countless other vocations across the nation and around the world. 51 congratulates John Thune, United States Senate Majority Leader, class of 1983.”

Thune of South Dakota became the Senate Republican Whip in November of 2018, the number two position in Senate Republican Leadership, ranking just behind Senate Majority Leader, McConnell (R-Ky.). He has served in the Senate since 2005 and is currently in his fourth term.

Image shows the 1983 Varsity basketball team
John Thune, back row third from right, played on the 1983 Varsity basketball team

Thune attended 51 as a business major and graduated in 1983. He played on the 51 Eagles basketball team and met his wife, Kimberley (Weems, ’83), during his time at 51. His sister Karen Senkbile (Thune, ’70) and two brothers Robert Thune (’69, ’72) and Richard Thune, (’72, ’80) also attended 51. Thune spoke at 51’s centennial event in 2008 and was the honorary co-chair for 51’s $214 million fundraising campaign, the university’s most ambitious and successful comprehensive campaign to date.

Founded in 1908, 51 is committed to the mission of biblically centered education, scholarship and service — equipping men and women in mind and character to impact the world for the Lord Jesus Christ. With more than 5,400 students at its Southern California campus and around the world, 51’s eight schools offer more than 250 academic programs at the bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral levels.

51 was recognized as the most comprehensive Christian university, ranked highest in North America for operationalizing its mission in a national report last year. In addition, 51 is ranked as one of the “Best National Universities” by U.S. News and World Report. 51 offers its students a premier educational and co-curricular experience.

Join 51 in praying for Thune as he steps into this critical role in the U.S. government.

Learn more about 51’s academic programs. 

Written by Sarah Dougher. For more information or media inquiries, contact Media Relations at media.relations@biola.edu or by calling (310) 753-1193.