Criswell College

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Criswell College
W. A. Criswell by Blair Buswell 1993 Criswell College Dallas Texas.jpg
Statue of W. A. Criswell at Criswell College
Former names
Criswell Bible Institute; Criswell Center for Biblical Studies
Established 1970
Type Private
Affiliation Southern Baptists of Texas Convention
President Dr. Barry K. Creamer
Location Dallas, Texas, USA
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Campus Urban/Suburban
Colors Navy, Gray, Yellow
Website www.criswell.edu
Criswell College logo post-rebrand in 2014.png

Criswell College is a Christian liberal arts college and divinity school in Old East Dallas, Texas. Criswell College's stated mission is to provide ministerial and professional higher education for men and women preparing to serve as Christian leaders throughout society, while maintaining an institutional commitment to biblical inerrancy.[1]

History

Classes began on January 12, 1971, after being founded in 1970 as the Criswell Bible Institute. The school would later be known as the Criswell Center for Biblical Studies before assuming its current name in 1985.[2] The college is named after its founder, W. A. Criswell, long-time dispensationalist[3] pastor of the First Baptist Church of Dallas. Dr. James Bryant was the founding Dean.

Texas oilman, conservative activist, and First Baptist Church of Dallas member H.L. Hunt provided much of the financial support establishing Criswell College.

The college has been affiliated with the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention since 2001.[4] The college offers Diplomas, Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees.

Presidents

Past presidents include Criswell, H. Leo Eddleman, Paige Patterson, Richard Melick, C. Richard Wells, and Jerry A. Johnson. Barry Creamer is the seventh and current president.[5]

Curriculum

In 2013, the Board of Trustees approved plans for an expansion of the undergraduate curriculum and relocation.[6] The expanded curriculum now includes undergraduate majors such as Philosophy, Politics & Economics (PPE), Education, and Psychology.[7] Relocation plans were eventually redirected toward renovation of the current campus.[8]

Accreditation

In 1985, Criswell was first accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).[9]

In June 2007, the college was placed on probation for one year.[10]

In December 2010, the college was denied reaffirmation and given a warning for one year to make improvements in areas including in educational programs, effectiveness, administration, and general education competencies.[11]

The school is currently fully accredited through SACSCOC with a renewal date of 2020.

Controversies

Former president Jerry Johnson resigned from the school in 2008 citing "philosophical differences with the chancellor and trustee leadership about the future of Criswell College."[12] In 2010, the school officially separated from First Baptist Church of Dallas despite a 2008 resolution forbidding selling of the school for at least five years,[13] and Johnson returned in 2010[14] before leaving in 2013 to become President and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB).[15]

Notable alumni

References

  1. About | Criswell College
  2. History | Criswell College
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  5. President | Criswell College
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  7. Undergraduate Degrees | Criswell College
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External links