Criswell College

Criswell College is a Christian liberal arts college and divinity school in Old East Dallas, Texas. The 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]

Criswell College
Statue of W. A. Criswell at Criswell College
Former names
Criswell Bible Institute; Criswell Center for Biblical Studies
TypePrivate
Established1970
AffiliationSouthern Baptists of Texas Convention
PresidentDr. Barry K. Creamer
Location
Dallas
,
Texas
,
USA

32.793°N 96.777°W / 32.793; -96.777
CampusUrban/Suburban
ColorsNavy, Gray, Yellow
Websitewww.criswell.edu

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 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 (SBTC provides some financial assistance and has representation on Criswell's board, but the college is independently owned and operated).[3] The college offers Diplomas, Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts and Master of Divinity degrees.

Articles of Faith

As a conservative Southern Baptist institution of higher learning, Criswell College holds to the Baptist Faith & Message (2000 edition), with some additional passages reflecting the teachings of Dr. Criswell which are still held by the College.[4]

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 Expansion

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

References
  1. "About". Criswell College. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
  2. "History & Heritage". Criswell College. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
  3. Ledbetter, Tammi Reed (June 8, 2001). "Criswell College affiliates with Southern Baptists of Texas Convention". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  4. "Articles of Faith". Criswell College. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
  5. "President's Cabinet". Criswell College. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
  6. Wigglesworth, Valerie (2013-11-13). "Criswell College plans to build new campus, expand curriculum". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  7. Ledbetter, Tammi Reed (2015-04-06). "Criswell College plans major renovation to Dallas campus". Southern Baptist TEXAN. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  8. "Criswell College". College Atlas. 2016. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
  9. "Criswell College". Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. 2016. Archived from the original on 2016-01-13. Retrieved 2016-01-14.
  10. "Criswell president Jerry Johnson resigns". Baptist Press. 2008-08-06. Archived from the original on 2012-07-28. Retrieved 2011-09-14.
  11. Ledbetter, Tammi Reed (2010-08-03). "Criswell College officially separates". Baptist Press. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  12. "EDUCATION DIGEST: Johnson elected Criswell president; Wright at Union; Campbellsville; Calif. Baptist; Baptist College of Fla.; NOBTS". Baptist Press. 2010-11-10. Archived from the original on 2011-03-14. Retrieved 2011-09-14.
  13. "Dr. Jerry A. Johnson Selected as President & CEO of the National Religious Broadcasters". National Religious Broadcasters. October 1, 2013. Retrieved 2016-01-13.
  14. https://www.sebts.edu/academics/faculty/Akin%20CV.pdf
  15. "About KP Yohannan - Gospel for Asia Founder and Director - Gospel for Asia". www.gfa.org. Retrieved 2020-12-17.
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