Urshan University
 | This article relies largely or entirely on a single source. (October 2008) |
 | |
Former names | Gateway College of Evangelism (1968-2012), Urshan College (2012-2024) |
|---|---|
| Motto | "To Do Justly And to Love Mercy and to Walk Humbly With Your God" |
| Type | Private university |
| Established | 1968 |
| Accreditation | HLC, ATS |
Religious affiliation | United Pentecostal Church International |
| Chair | Michael Ensey |
| President | Brent Coltharp |
| Dean | Jared Runck |
Total staff | 84 (2022)[1] |
| Students | 473 (2022)[1] |
| Location | , , US |
| Campus | Large suburb[1], 43 acres (17 ha) |
| Website | urshan.edu |
Urshan University, formerly known as Urshan College and Gateway College of Evangelism, is a Christian seminary in Wentzville, Missouri. It is owned and operated by the United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI).[2] In 2012, the college was acquired by Urshan Graduate School of Theology.
History
[edit]The founding of a Bible college in the St. Louis area was initiated by Harry Branding (superintendent of the Missouri District for the UPCI), who formed a committee to look into this possibility, this committee presented the idea to the Missouri District Board. On July 13, 1966, the district passed a resolution to create such a Bible college. The next year the bylaws were chosen and the college was given the name Gateway College of Evangelism.
On September 13, 1968, Gateway College officially opened at 3155 Charbonier Road in Florissant, Missouri. Three years later, the college purchased the former St. Stanislaus Seminary at 700 Howdershell Road.
After four decades, President Darrel Johns led the school through a transition to UPCI ownership. After many months of collaboration the UPCI General Board approved a plan for Urshan Graduate School of Theology to acquire Gateway College and start a new undergraduate Christian college. On July 1, 2012, the transition was complete. At this point, Urshan College began to be operated jointly with Urshan Graduate School of Theology under the governance of the Urshan Board of Directors and President David K. Bernard.
In January 2018, President David K. Bernard submitted his resignation as president of Urshan College and Urshan Graduate School of Theology. While the board of directors conducted a search for a new president for the Urshan System, Executive Vice President Jennie Russell served as interim president.[3] In November 2018, the board of directors selected Brent Coltharp to serve as president effective January 2019, and Jennie Russell returned to her role as executive vice president.[4]
Academics
[edit]Urshan University offers an associate's degree in General Studies and bachelor's degrees in Christian Ministry, Human Services, Organizational Leadership, Music, Worship Ministry, Communications Studies. In Fall 2008, the college began offering online classes through the Consortium of Online Christian Colleges in addition to their on-campus instruction.[5]
On July 6, 2018, the Higher Learning Commission granted Urshan University a status of "Candidate for Accreditation".[6][7] On June 30, 2020, HLC granted Urshan University regional accreditation.[8]
Enrollment
[edit]In Fall 2022, the school's enrollment was 473 students.[1] The student body is 41% Male and 59% Female; 82% are full-time and 18% are part-time; 69% are at least partly on campus while 31% are fully distance learners; 72% are white or Caucasian, 14% are Hispanic, 4% are Black or African-American, 4% are two or more races, 1% are Asian, 1% are American Indian or Alaskan Native, and 2% are unreported.[9]
Location
[edit]Urshan is located in St. Charles County, Missouri. The college relocated from Florissant, Missouri, to Wentzville, Missouri, kicking off the 2019–2020 school year on the new campus.[10] The campus, formerly a CenturyLink office complex, consists of five buildings sitting on 43 acres of land.[11][12]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Urshan College". National Center for Education Statistics. Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System. 2023–2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: date format (link) - ^ http://upcicollege.org/go/faq Urshan College: FAQ
- ^ "Press Release | Urshan College". Retrieved 2019-10-09.
- ^ "Urshan Board Selects New President | Urshan College". Retrieved 2019-10-09.
- ^ "Gatewaycollege.net". www77.gatewaycollege.net.
- ^ "Accreditation Press Release". Urshan College.
- ^ "Action Letter | Candidacy" (PDF). Higher Learning Commission. July 6, 2018.
- ^ "Action Letter - Initial Accreditation" (PDF). Higher Learning Commission. June 30, 2020.
- ^ "About | Urshan College". Retrieved 2019-10-09.
- ^ "Former CenturyLink property in Wentzville slated to become college campus | 70 West Sentinel". www.70westsentinel.com. 2019-01-04. Retrieved 2019-10-09.
- ^ "Urshan Acquires New Campus in Wentzville, MO | Urshan College". Retrieved 2019-10-09.
External links
[edit]- Universities and colleges affiliated with the United Pentecostal Church International
- Pentecostalism in Missouri
- Education in St. Charles County, Missouri
- Private universities and colleges in Missouri
- Pentecostal seminaries and theological colleges
- Educational institutions established in 1968
- 1968 establishments in Missouri