Criswell College
Statue of W. A. Criswell at Criswell College
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Former names
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Criswell Bible Institute; Criswell Center for Biblical Studies |
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| Type | Private |
| Established | 1970 |
| Affiliation | Southern Baptists of Texas Convention |
| President | Dr. Barry K. Creamer |
| Location |
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| Campus | Urban/Suburban |
| Colors | Navy, Gray, Yellow |
| Website | www |
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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]
Contents
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
- Daniel Akin – President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and author
- David Allen – Dean of Theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and author
- Everett Berry – Associate Professor of Theology, Criswell College
- Barry Creamer – President, Criswell College and radio host
- Dan Dumas – Executive Vice President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
- Raymond Edge – Noted Dead Sea Scrolls authority
- Tony Nolan – Noted evangelist and speaker
- John Mark Yeats – Dean, the college of Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and author
- K. P. Yohannan – President, Gospel for Asia and author
References
- ↑ About | Criswell College
- ↑ History | Criswell College
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- ↑ President | Criswell College
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- ↑ Undergraduate Degrees | Criswell College
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External links
- Articles with dead external links from January 2014
- Articles using infobox university
- Pages using infobox university with the image name parameter
- Universities and colleges affiliated with the Southern Baptist Convention
- Universities and colleges in Texas
- Universities and colleges in Dallas, Texas
- Evangelical seminaries and theological colleges
- Universities and colleges accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
- Educational institutions established in 1971
