Criswell College
 Statue of W. A. Criswell at Criswell College | |
Former names | Criswell Bible Institute; Criswell Center for Biblical Studies |
|---|---|
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1970 |
| Affiliation | Southern Baptists of Texas Convention |
| President | Dr. Barry K. Creamer |
| Location |
Dallas, Texas, USA 32°47′35″N 96°46′37″W / 32.793°N 96.777°WCoordinates: 32°47′35″N 96°46′37″W / 32.793°N 96.777°W |
| Campus | Urban/Suburban |
| Colors | Navy, Gray, Yellow |
| Website |
www |
 | |
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]
Accreditation
In 1985, Criswell was first accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).[8] The school is fully accredited through SACSCOC with a renewal date of 2020.[9]
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."[10] In a related development in 2010, the school officially separated from First Baptist Church of Dallas.[11] Johnson returned as president later that year[12] before leaving in 2013 to become President and CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters (NRB).[13]
Notable alumni
- Daniel Akin – President, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and author
- David Allen – Dean of the School of Preaching, 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 – Dead Sea Scrolls authority
- Jerry A. Johnson - CEO, the National Religious Broadcasters and former President, Criswell College
- Lelious A. Johnson - Pastor, St. Paul Baptist Church
- Tony Nolan – Evangelist
- Tony Mathews - Pastor, North Garland Baptist Church
- Richard E. Rollerson, Jr. - Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church and President, Terrell Baptist Minister's Union
- Brandon D. Smith - Christian writer, author, and ministry leader
- Cedric D. Stricklin - Pastor, Graceland Community Baptist Church and President, Oak Cliff Baptist Union
- John Mark Yeats – Dean, Midwestern College at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
- K. P. Yohannan – President, Gospel for Asia
References
- ↑ About | Criswell College
- ↑ History | Criswell College
- ↑ W. A. Criswell. "THE RISING OF ISRAEL".
- ↑ Ledbetter, Tammi Reed (June 8, 2001). "Criswell College affiliates with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
- ↑ President | Criswell College
- ↑ Wigglesworth, Valerie (2013-11-13). "Criswell College plans to build new campus, expand curriculum". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
- ↑ Ledbetter, Tammi Reed (2015-04-06). "Criswell College plans major renovation to Dallas campus". Southern Baptist TEXAN. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
- ↑ "Criswell College". College Atlas. 2016. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
- ↑ "Criswell College". Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 2016. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
- ↑ "Criswell president Jerry Johnson resigns". Baptist Press. 2008-08-06. Retrieved 2011-09-14.
- ↑ Ledbetter, Tammi Reed (2010-08-03). "Criswell College officially separates". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
- ↑ "EDUCATION DIGEST: Johnson elected Criswell president; Wright at Union; Campbellsville; Calif. Baptist; Baptist College of Fla.; NOBTS". Baptist Press. 2010-11-10. Retrieved 2011-09-14.
- ↑ "Dr. Jerry A. Johnson Selected as President & CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters". National Religious Broadcasters. October 1, 2013. Retrieved 2016-01-13.