Grace University

Grace University

1311 South 9th St.

Omaha, NE 68108-3639

United States

(402) 449-2800

www.GraceU.edu

School Type

Private Christian

Mission

Grace University exists to develop servant leaders for the home, the church and the world through excellence in biblically-integrated education and through life change in a personal discipling environment, all for the glory of God.

Established

1943

Degrees

Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Certificate Programs}}

The dedication stone in the courtyard.

Grace University is guided by its mission of academic excellence and life change to develop servant leaders who serve in diverse vocations around the globe. From requiring a second major in Biblical studies to meet graduation requirements to our Servant Leadership Training program that requires a weekly commitment to hands-on community service and evangelism, Grace University focuses on moral development and applied learning. Students receive a Biblical foundation, a strong liberal arts background, and the professional skills needed for today’s competitive, volatile, and morally evolving workplace.

Grace University was founded in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1943 by a group of pastors and leaders who saw the need for an interdenominational college centered on the Bible.1 Through specialized Christ-centered programs, students develop skills needed in today's marketplace, communities, and churches. Business, education, nursing, counseling, ministry, information technology, international relations, arts, and social work are all careers where Grace University graduates serve. A Grace University education focuses on developing servant leaders who are concerned with impacting the world while spreading the gospel.

Grace University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The Higher Learning Commission: 230 South LaSalle St., Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1411, (800) 621-7440, www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org. All undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education programs are accredited by NCA. Grace University also maintains institutional accreditation through The Association for Biblical Higher Education, 5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Ste. 130, Orlando, FL 32822, (407) 207-0808, www.abhe.org. is a private Bible college located in Omaha, Nebraska. The university includes three separate colleges: Grace College of the Bible, Grace College of Graduate Studies, and Grace College of Continuing Education.

History

The clock tower in the middle of campus.

Grace University was born through prayer following a meeting of ten Mennonite ministers and leaders in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 1, 1943. They met at the Flatiron Hotel to pray and plan for an interdenominational college-level institution that would provide a Bible-centered education. Their meeting led to the founding of Grace Bible Institute.

From June 1 through September 8, 1943, the Lord opened doors and removed obstacles in such unusual ways that all were convinced that this new venture of faith was from God. At the dedication service on September 8, 1943, Dr. C.H. Suckau, chairman of the Board of Directors and later a president of the college, mentioned seven specific answers to prayer:1

• Location—The Lord definitely led the original group of men to Omaha on June 1 and opened doors for them.
• Temporary Facility—A free one-year lease for the Presbyterian Theological Seminary was given to the new school.
• Incorporation—Three Nebraska laws were revised during the organization of Grace Bible Institute that made incorporation possible. Without those changes, the school would have had to move to another state.
• Faculty—The college opened with a complete staff of teachers who left ministries across the country to serve in Omaha.
• Student Body—Eighteen students from across the Midwest registered on the first day (and five more a few days later).
• Funds—In a short time, the Lord provided more than $7,000 in gifts.
• Permanent Facility—Although the building had been on the market for an extended time, the Lord provided Stuntz Hall for Grace Bible Institute for $25,000. This was well below the $60,000 asking price.

Based on 1 Corinthians 15:10, the words “by the Grace of God” were incorporated in the University seal. The official motto was from I Corinthians 3:11 “Other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”2 Throughout its history, Grace University leadership has been marked by vision and faith. The following have served as presidents: Paul Kuhlmann (Acting, 1943), Dr. C. H. Suckau (1944-1950), Dr. H. D. Burkholder (1950-1955), Dr. Joseph W. Schmidt (1955-1960), the Rev. D. J. Unruh (Interim, 1960-1961), Dr. Waldo E. Harder (1961-1971), Dr. Robert W. Benton (1971-1984), Dr. Warren E. Bathke (1984-1993), Dr. Neal F. McBride (1993-1997), and Dr. James P. Eckman (1997-2012).

Academics

The entrance to the Jim Classen Gymnasium.

Since 1943, enrollment has increased, program offerings have expanded, and the campus has grown. The faculty, staff, and students now represent numerous Christian denominations and the University serves students from around the globe. The name has changed twice to reflect the expansion of the school: Grace College of the Bible, 19762; and to the current name, Grace University, 19952. Although Grace University has expanded from programs designed only to provide training for work within the church, the University has purposefully maintained its original vision to uphold the fundamentals of the Christian faith without reservation. Today the University offers traditional on-campus programs, accelerated learning, and online options for Master’s, Bachelor’s, Associate’s, and certificate programs. Academic programs now include:

• Business & Technology
• Christian Ministries
• Education
• Intercultural Studies
• Music
• Nursing
• Psychology

Campus Facilities

Grace University is a compact urban campus located approximately two blocks south of historic downtown Omaha. This urban campus has seen more than $11,000,000 in new construction, remodeling and renovation upgrades during the past decade. The campus has four residence halls for single and married students: Harder Hall, Rieger Hall, Stanford Hall and Schmidt Hall. Academics, athletics and ministry take place in the Grewcock Library, Tschetter Academic Center, Suckau Chapel, Dirks Lounge, Duerksen Dining Commons, and Administration Building. The Jim Classen Gymnasium has double NCAA approved courts for tournament play. The Donovan Glanzer Strength Training Center is located in the Harold D. Burkholder Center. As a member of the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA), the University has competitive men’s soccer, women’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s basketball teams.

Mission statement

"Grace University exists to develop servant leaders for the home, the church and the world through excellence in biblically-integrated education and through life change in a personal, discipling environment, all for the glory of God."

School presidents

President	Term
Paul Kuhlmann	1943, acting
Dr. C.H. Suckau	1944–1950
Dr. H.D. Burkholder	1950–1955
Dr. Joseph W. Schmidt	1955–1960
Rev. D.J. Unruh	1960–1961, interim
Dr. Waldo E. Harder	1961–1971
Dr. Robert W. Benton	1971–1984
Dr. Warren E. Bathke	1984–1993
Dr. Neal F. McBride	1993–1997
Dr. James P. Eckman	1997-2012

References

¹Kuhlman, Paul (1980), “The Story of Grace.” Omaha: Grace College of the Bible. Print.

²Berry, Harold J. (1993), “Committed to the Vision.” Omaha: Grace College of the Bible. Print.

External links

• Grace University
• Grace University Athletics