Grace University

[EduCativ]

Grace University exists to develop servant leaders for the home, the church, and the world through excellence in biblically-integrated education and life change in a unique, disciplined environment, all for the glory of God. Grace University exists to develop servant leaders for the home, the church, and the world through excellence in biblically-integrated education and life change in a unique, disciplined environment, all for the glory of God. Grace University was born in prayer as a group of ten pastors and leaders met in Omaha, Nebraska, on June 1, 1943, to pray and plan for a college-level institution that would be fundamental in doctrine, vitally spiritual in emphasis, and interdenominational in scope. The need for such Bible-centered education became increasingly apparent to these evangelical pastors and leaders. A number of them shared this common concern during the commencement activities at the Oklahoma Bible Academy in Meno, Oklahoma, in 1942. So in the providence of God, they selected Omaha as a central location for the meeting that 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 dedicatory 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.

The core values of academic excellence, life change, and world impact continue to shape Grace's vision. These foundational values stimulate the Power of Grace! During the past 75 years, more than 8,000 students have studied at Grace University. Many of our alumni are actively involved in full-time church-related ministries. Many are serving in cross-cultural and international missions, in pastoral ministry, in Christian education, music, and Christian radio and telecommunications. Others impact the marketplace for Christ serving as lay leaders in local churches and church-related organizations. Many are educators, business people, farmers and ranchers, and public servants in governmental settings. The oversight of Grace University is vested in a healthy, spiritually-minded Board of Trustees, representing various denominations.

A variety of advisory teams assist in guiding various operations within the University. The Grace University Foundation Board of Trustees works closely with the University Development Department in friend building, fundraising, and investment management. The Grace University Parents Association (GUPA) works with the President's Office regarding institutional and student support. The Alumni Association, a vital advisory group, connects our strong heritage with our ongoing mission of preparing men and women as servant leaders for the home, the church, and the world. 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), Dr. James P. Eckman (1997-2012), and Dr. David M. Barnes (2012-2016), Mr. Bill Bauhard (Interim, 2016-present).

Three core values shape the goals and objectives of Grace University – academic excellence, life change, and world impact. Recognizing that Christian education leads to the "Student Characteristics" above is a process rooted in the Bible and directed by the Holy Spirit, the University establishes the following goals and objectives. By graduation, students should give evidence of:

• Comprehensive working knowledge of the Bible, including Bible doctrine
• Growing love for Christ and His people
• Being a world Christian with a growing awareness of and involvement in God's worldwide program of redemption
• A Christian worldview that integrates General Education studies with biblical truth
• An ability to serve Christ effectively.
• A Christian value-system that is reflected in Christian character, attitudes, decisions, and actions
• An ability to function at a level of competency within their chosen area of study at their level of preparation (i.e., Certificate,
• Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master level)
• A commitment to a lifestyle of lifelong spiritual, intellectual, emotional, relational, and physical health.

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